Although the final go-ahead hasn’t been given yet work is continuing behind the scenes so that if and when the Council does approve the Edinburgh Trams line to Newhaven it is good to go as soon as possible with four companies now shortlisted for the Infrastructure and Systems contract.
When contractors were asked to participate in the pre-qualification process last year a good number of local, national and international bidders applied and following a robust evaluation process of seven bids received four have been invited to tender in mid-April 2018.
The companies are:
* BAM Colas Rail JV
* Dragados
* Farrans Sacyr Neopul JV
* Sisk Steconfer JV
The Infrastructure and Systems contract will cover the design and construction of all track, overhead line, tram stops, systems infrastructure and public realm between York Place and Newhaven.
The tender process will continue until late summer 2018 and once this is over the Council will update the Final Business Case before asking for a decision on whether to go-ahead with the scheme to extend the line from York Place along Leith Walk to Newhaven. It is anticipated that if it is a yes contracts will be signed in late 2018.
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener, said: “When the Outline Business Case [OBC] was approved by Council in September 2017 we pledged to test the OBC with a robust procurement process before reporting back with the Final Business Case. Our project team – the same team who successfully delivered the tram to York Place following mediation – has worked very closely with the market over the past 18 months, developing a contract strategy that meets market expectations and the requirements of the Council. “We were very pleased with the significant level of interest from local, national and international bidders and this process has resulted in a strong shortlist of experienced design and build contractors as we move on to the tender stage.”