The next stage of the transformation of Dundee’s central waterfront will take three years and cost more than £11 million, the city council has confirmed.
Approval is expected next week of a project to demolish and replace the Tay Road Bridge northern ramp and create a northern boulevard that will run east-west, forming part of a new street grid between the city centre and the river.
Four companies bid for the work. The lowest price came from Sir Robert McAlpine, although it was judged to be third in terms of the quality of its tender.
The firm with the highest quality ranking would have added another £1.2 million to the bill. Councillors will be asked to approve McAlpine’s £8.1 million bid.
When the cost of other related works is added, spending on the project is expected to total £11.3 million. However, that is less than the £14 million the Waterfront Board originally thought it might cost.
The works also include construction of traffic signals, drainage, and utility services. The council is setting aside £500,000 for dealing with any contaminated land, and £10,000 will go on an archaeological survey.
Financing is coming from the Cities Growth Fund and a contribution from Scottish Enterprise.
The Dock Street railway tunnel was strengthened to support the northern boulevard, and a storm-water tank has been built to deal with surface run-off from the new roads and buildings.
The first phase of the road bridge ramp replacement is also under way.