Bridge repairs cost almost double original estimate

Mar 6 2013 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

FURTHER repairs to bridges linking Wallasey and Birkenhead are set to go ahead – but at almost double the price originally expected.

The closure of the Four Bridges last year for four months caused headaches for drivers in the area until they re-opened in December.

Now the council is preparing for more repairs but said the road would remain open .

Replacement of the walkway decking at C-bridge on Tower Road was done last year and extensive steelwork repairs were found to be necessary as the old surface was removed.

And a council report says: "In view of the difficulties encountered by Colas in executing the specialist steelwork repairs at C-bridge and the fact that A-bridge is larger and subject to opening for shipping, which will make the works far more complex, it is now proposed that these works be undertaken by Bethell Group PLC instead."

The extra works will be to replace the walkway decking on the A-bridge and is expected to cost £169,350 – 59% above the original estimate.

The report added: “"Bethell Group PLC have indicated they could offer a significantly low- er price if the A-bridge can be fixed down during the works.

“This will probably not be possible due to Peel Ports’ dock operations."

The latest repairs brings the total cost of the bridge works to £510,613, an increase of £223,519 or 78% above the £287,093.97 cost originally expected.

The council said the walkway deck replacement works will be carried out between now and June 2013 – 15 weeks’ work.

It added: "No peak-time road closures would be required."