No bids for IWA HS2 plans

THOUGH three consultants were sent a tender invitation and specification for the work to undertake a feasibility study of the Inland Waterways Association's proposals for an alternative route for HS2, no one was interested.

The plans aimed to avoid three of the four proposed high speed rail crossings of the Trent & Mersey Canal from above Shade House Lock to beyond Wood End Lock. (Pictured).

No bids

We are told careful preparation was made of the tender invitation and specification for the work that was issued to the consultants, but the IWA received no bids for the work by the closing date.

The trustees of the Association saw this as both frustrating and damaging the Association's ability to collect factual evidence to support its case.

CaRT involved

However Canal & River Trust has appointed a HS2 Steering Group, headed by it's Head of Engineering George Ballinger, who has offered to forward the specification to it's consultants, Hyder, to price the work. Another CaRT appointment, Peter Walker, Technical Lead on HS2 issues, has agreed a joint specification based on the Association's original, all of which is awaiting Hyder's response and proposals.