Welsh Government Begins Search for Contractor to Rebuild A494 River Dee Bridge

The Welsh Government has officially launched the process to find a contractor for a major infrastructure project: the £145 million reconstruction of the A494 River Dee Bridge. This bridge is a critical part of the transport network, connecting the county of Flintshire in North Wales with the North West of England. Due to significant deterioration over time, the current structure can no longer be maintained safely and must be fully replaced.

What the Project Involves

The project aims to replace the existing bridge with a new, modern structure that will support regional connectivity, improve safety, and accommodate current and future traffic demands. The new bridge will also be designed with sustainability and community benefits in mind.

Procurement Process Explained

The contractor selection will follow a two-stage Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process, using the NEC4 form of contract. This approach allows contractors to contribute their expertise early in the design and planning phase, helping to reduce risks, improve cost certainty, and encourage innovation before full construction begins.

The Welsh Government will also apply an incentivised cost model, meaning that contractors could receive performance-based rewards if they deliver the project efficiently and within budget. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on delivering social value—for example, creating local jobs, offering apprenticeships, and minimizing environmental impact.

Project Timeline

• By the end of September 2025: Five contractors will be shortlisted based on their initial applications.

• Three-month tendering period: These shortlisted firms will be invited to submit detailed bids.

• By May 2026: The successful contractor will be announced.

• Summer 2026: Construction work is expected to begin.

• By February 2030: The new bridge is scheduled to be fully completed and operational.

  
  

Oversight and Transparency

To ensure proper financial oversight, the project will be managed through a Project Bank Account (PBA). This is a special account that allows payments to be made directly and transparently to all parties involved in the project, reducing the risk of delays and disputes over payments.

The rebuild of the A494 River Dee Bridge is being delivered as part of the Welsh Government’s Major Asset Renewal Programme, a broader initiative to upgrade essential transport infrastructure across Wales. The engineering and planning aspects of the project are being led by international consultancy firm Mott MacDonald.