Bridge-design services

Tender description

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has been working in partnership with Network Rail since June 2018 to agree detail and scope for a replacement bridge, allowing the high risk Lindsells Crossing to the north of Biggleswade to be permanently closed. The level crossing currently forms part of the Biggleswade Green Wheel Bridleway and is used by walkers, cyclists and some equestrians. Network Rail have mitigated risks as far as possible and installed lights and a phone but objected through the Local Plan process to any further housing growth in the Biggleswade area until such a time as a solution was found to create a safe crossing via a bridge. Their fear being increased housing leading to increased use of the bridleway and danger increasing beyond acceptable risk levels. Network Rail will develop, design, procure and deliver the bridge project on behalf of CBC, and will enter into an ORR (Office of Rail and Road) approved Third Party Agreement to govern the delivery of services. Network Rail has a suite of Third-Party Agreements available to use, which are nationally utilised, and the templates held centrally by NR’s Corporate Commercial team. The chosen Third-Party Agreements for this project are a Development Services Agreement, followed by an Implementation Agreement. This award is for the Development Services Agreement (DSA) which covers development and design work undertaken by Network Rail on behalf of CBC. The agreement allows Network Rail to undertake surveys and investigations, and complete detailed design. The DSA covers GRIP Stages 1-5 inclusive with the potential to cover GRIP Stage 5, which is what the project will utilise, in preparation for going into a construction agreement. During this phase Network Rail will negotiate to purchase land required for the footbridge and negotiate for access and associated compensation for survey works and works compounds. While it is expected agreements will be reached with land owners, if necessary, Network Rail will use their authority under section 71 of the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845 for survey access and under the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to acquire land. The TWAO process seeks powers to secure the land by compulsory purchase from the Secretary of State for Transport.