South MRT Phase 1b and 2 - AWARD

Reading Borough Council is seeking an experienced highways contractor to undertake the next phase of works as part of the Councils 'Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) South Scheme'.

The scheme consists of a series of highway improvements along the A33 corridor, focussed on improving public transport journey times. The 'MRT South' will link central Reading town centre to existing / proposed residential and employment areas to the south of Reading including Green Park and the new Mereoak Park and Ride facility.

The phase being advertised as part of this procurement exercise is 'Phase 1b and 2'

The tender documents contain proposals for a "core scheme" as well as the possible "additional works". These additional works may be instructed at the commencement of the Contract, or by way of variation to the Contract during the construction period. For the avoidance of doubt the Council intends to initially award a contract for the "core scheme" only and as such will conduct this tender assessment considering the "core scheme" only.

The "core scheme" works in Phase 1B comprise the following elements:

• Widening of the A33 to create a new bus lane in the south bound direction from Bennet Road Gyratory junction to Imperial Way junction. The road widening occurs largely adjacent to the existing carriageway in verges owned by the highway authority.

• Amendments to the traffic signal pedestrian crossings within the works and incorporation of a new traffic signal controlled bus priority junction in the southbound lane immediately prior to the Imperial Way Roundabout.

• Associated with the above are site clearance (including taking down of kerbs, traffic signs, lighting and street furniture etc), vehicle restraint systems, surface water drainage, earthworks, kerbing, paving and road surfacing, traffic signals and street lighting.

• Adjustments to Statutory utility equipment.

The "core scheme" works in Phase 2 comprise the following elements:

• Widening of the A33 to create a new bus lane in the south bound direction from Kennet Island junction to Bennet Road Gyratory junction. The road widening occurs largely adjacent to the existing carriageway in verges owned by the highway authority.

• Associated with the above are site clearance (including taking down of kerbs, traffic signs, lighting and street furniture etc), vehicle restraint systems, surface water drainage, earthworks, kerbing, paving and road surfacing, traffic signals and street lighting.

• Adjustments to Statutory utility equipment.