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Transportation and Infrastructure
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TENDERS FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE OLD RAILWAY BRIDGE AT BRIDGE
CRESCENT, TORPHINS – 25 NOVEMBER 2008
1
Purpose of Report
1.1
This report seeks approval from the Committee to homologate the decision of the
Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee to award the contract to remove the Old
Railway Bridge at Bridge Crescent, Torphins to W.M Donald Ltd.
2
Background
2.1
The basic metal structure has been in existence since the late nineteenth century
and although subject to modification in its early years has continued since then in
its present form. It is now subject to extensive underside rusting and it is now
considered appropriate to mitigate this Authorities maintenance liability,
particularly as the structure features on the weak bridge list.
2.2
This report provides information on tenders invited and received for the removal
of the old Torphins Railway Bridge and for the installation of a self supporting
reinforced earth embankment between the bridge abutments to carry the road.
3
Proposals
3.1
It is proposed to homologate the decision of the Chair and Vice Chair of this
Committee to award the contract to W.M Donald Ltd at a price of £97,125.00.
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Discussion
4.1
Tenders were issues to eight contractors of whom three declined to tender. Of
the remaining five, only one supplied a tender, this being W M Donald Ltd for the
sum of £97,125.00 which is similar to the estimated cost.
4.2
Another attempt at obtaining tenders could be made but this would now, of
necessity, include National contractors with the probable cost increases that this
would bring. Also it is likely that the work could not be started in this financial
year. This tender is in excess of £60,000 and therefore requires the approval of
the Marr Area Committee.
4.3
It is unusual to award work of this value when only one tender has been priced
and returned. However the tender was submitted under competitive conditions
and the rates have been compared to existing and built up rates and are
competitive.
4.4
To allow the contractor to start work as soon as possible the Chair and Vice Chair
of their Committee were asked to approve the award of the contract on the basis
that a report seeking to homologate that decision would come to this Area
Committee.
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Area Implications
5.1
None
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Policy Implications
6.1
None
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Staffing Implications
7.1
None
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Financial Implications
8.1
The cost of this work will be funded from the Bridge Maintenance element of the
Revenue Programme for 2008/09
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Sustainability Implications
9.1
The cost of removing the structure will negate the need for ongoing maintenance
and the resultant costs if the structure was to remain in place.
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Consultations
10.1
The Director of Law & Administration has been consulted on the contents of this
report.
10.2
The Director of Finance has been consulted on the contents of this report.
10.3
The Director of Planning and Environmental Services has been consulted to
clarify whether planning permission is required to take down the bridge. It has
been confirm that planning permission is not required.
10.4
The three Ward 15 members have been constructed on the proposed to award
the contract and all of them were in favour of issuing the contract.
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Recommendations
The Committee is recommended to :
11.1
Homologate the decision of the Chair and Vice Chair to award the tender for the
removal of the Old Railway Bridge at Bridge Crescent, Torphins to W.M Donald
Ltd at the submitted competitive tender price £97,125.00.
Local Roads Manager
Report prepared by Mark Skilling
12 November 2008
MS/JC/S/1/220