Scottish Trunk Road NMC - North West - A9 Scrabster Long Term Solution

Tender description

BEAR Scotland requires a specialist geophysical survey to support the development of the A9 Scrabster Long Term Solution. The works are required to inform the ground model for steep natural slopes upslope of the A9 Trunk Road on the approach to Scrabster Harbour, where landslide activity presents an ongoing risk to the trunk road network. The survey is intended to complement intrusive ground investigation information and assist in identifying the thickness and variability of colluvial deposits, the nature and distribution of underlying superficial deposits, and the depth to engineering rockhead. The tender shall be a performance specification and expect the work to be carried out using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) which assesses soil composition, rock head levels, and groundwater. The survey area comprises steep natural slopes between the local road at the slope crest and the A9 Trunk Road at the slope toe. Slopes are typically up to approximately 40 m high, and access to significant parts of the slope is expected to require industrial rope access techniques. Full road closures will not be permitted on the A9 Trunk Road or the local road network, and the works must be planned to maintain the safe operation of both roads. The scope is expected to comprise approximately five to ten geophysical survey transects, with potential for additional transects if required. The successful contractor will be responsible for selecting and justifying suitable geophysical techniques, undertaking survey planning and site reconnaissance, providing rope access capability, acquiring and processing the survey data, interpreting the results against available topographic and ground investigation information, and producing an interpretative report with associated digital outputs. Geophysical investigations require careful programming and timely delivery, as several subsequent activities, including GI works and the installation of a debris flow barrier, are dependent on access to the slope. Programme: Mid/late October 2026 duration of 2 weeks. Award Criteria: Quality/ Price (40/60) Estimated Value: GBP60,000