Cambridgeshire County Council is seeking a new company to construct the King’s Dyke crossing project after Kier’s costs increased dramatically
The project at King’s Dyke was predicted to cost £13.6m, but that almost trebled to £39m in estimates provided by Kier in June.
Cambridgeshire County Council has been engaged in urgent discussions with Kier and the Combined Authority on the revising the costs for the King’s Dyke crossing project.
Officers and members have been committed to finding a solution for delivery of this scheme, eagerly awaiting a final design and price from Kier for consideration. This arrived on 17 July evening, four months past the agreed date despite continued and significant pressure.
Councillor Steve Count, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council said: “I am clear we should not now proceed with Kier as we cannot agree this final revised cost which has considerably increased. It is a shame that we have been forced to wait so long to receive a price that is so clearly out of line with earlier and even revised expectations.
“My view is the quickest way now to get this much-needed crossing and bridge built would be to re-procure the work on the same route.
“I will now ask the Economy and Environment Committee to consider the options available and agree the best way to proceed, considering both time and spend.
“The King’s Dyke crossing project is vital for the people in Fenland and will remove the delays at the A605 level crossing.
“We will continue to work closely with the Combined Authority and agree a way forward, which means this project will continue at pace.”
King’s Dyke project will be discussed at the Economy and Environment Committee on 15 August.
