South Lanarkshire Council has been considering alternative ways to deliver the bridge when the company that had the winning bid in the procurement process withdrew its tender.

Following legal advice on how to proceed, the second-ranked contractor was then approached to see if they would maintain their tender bid, but that company confirmed it also was unable to maintain its tender price.

Council officers have now concluded an exercise that looked into the options available for replacing the crossing.

While the market conditions affecting the construction industry remain volatile, the council said the preferred and proposed route is to return to market and invite tenders in a similar manner as before. 

Colin Park, head of roads and transportation services, said: “It has been a frustrating period for all involved with this project, however recommencing the procurement stage of the project is a real positive step forward as we look to deliver on the commitment to build a replacement bridge at this location.

“Given the financial pressures the evaluation criteria have been adjusted to provide a greater focus on prices, while an appropriate level of technical/quality will also be secured.” 

A shorter validity period for the tenders will also be adopted allowing contractors to submit more definitive prices.

The revised tender package will be available by mid-April (after Easter school holidays) with a return expected by late summer/early Autumn and a delivery programme being developed thereafter.