Forth Bridges Operating Company Industry Day

Representatives from the construction industry today had the opportunity to learn more about the upcoming Forth Bridges Operating Contract (FBOC).

The industry day follows the successful passage of the Forth Road Bridge Bill through the Scottish Parliament last month. It is expected that the Official Journal for European Union (OJEU) notice for the contract will be published in late July with dialogue with bidders due to commence in autumn 2013 and award of the contract scheduled for December 2014.

Transport Minister Keith Brown spoke at today’s event setting out the Scottish Government’s requirements for the successful operation of the contract. Mr Brown said:

"The Forth Bridges Operating Company is due to commence work in June 2015 and today’s event is a vital step in the process to award the right to operate this prestigious contract worth approximately £40 million over five years.

“The Forth Bridges will be critical to the future connectivity of the Trunk Road Network, and in ensuring ongoing sustainable economic growth in Scotland. The contract includes protection of terms and conditions for all existing staff, and will seek to ensure opportunities for apprenticeships in the local community.

“There is much more work and dialogue to come in the months ahead and it is pleasing to be able to start this process today.”

The event included information from those with experience of the existing Forth Road bridge as well those charged with construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing.

Speaking about the importance of the contract, Transport Scotland Director of Trunk Road and Bus operations Roy Brannen said:

“This right to move to forward with the Contract follows approval in the Scottish Parliament of a twin bridge maintenance strategy, where a single operator will be responsible for both Forth Road Bridges, as well as the adjacent trunk road network. The Contract is expected to generate savings of £6 million over 5 years as a result.”

Background

The process follows the successful passage of the Forth Road Bridge Bill, approved by the Scottish Parliament in May 2013

  • Other similar events have recently been held for 4G T1, the AWPR, and M8 Improvements
  • A Prior Information Notice for the Forth Bridge Operating Company Contract was issued on 3rd June 2013.
  • The Supplier Information Day precedes publication of the OJEU notice in July, which is subject to Royal Assent for the Forth Road Bridge Bill.
  • The contract is worth approximately £40 million over 5 years, with the prospect to extend thereafter dependent on successful standards being met
  • FETA currently employ some 70 staff which is expected to increase by about 20 once the new Crossing opens to traffic by the end of 2016

Published 25 Jun 2013