Decision details

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair confirmed that the HIF1 scheme was separated into 3 sections; the Didcot Science Bridge, the Culham River Crossing and the Clifton Hampden Bypass. This decision related to the construction contract for the Clifton Hampden Bypass. Officers confirmed the intention of the wider scheme was to improve connectivity between Didcot and Culham, reducing congestion and to support the delivery of 12,000 homes being built in the vicinity.

Officers confirmed that the recommendation was to delegate the award of the contract to the Director of Environment and Highways. If approved, the main construction was due to begin in April and last for 18 months.

Officers noted that the scheme was fully funded from 4 different sources, with contingency funding that had not currently been drawn into from Homes England.

Officers confirmed that there would be quarterly updates with parish councils to keep them informed on the progress of the scheme and that e-newsletters had also been introduced.

The Chair noted that she felt the scheme would be worthwhile to alleviate congestion in Clifton Hampden and also make it a better environment for children attending the primary school.

The Chair thanked speakers for their contributions, officers for their work and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Highways to award the Stage Two NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract for the HIF1 Clifton Hampden Bypass scheme to John Graham Construction Limited under the Crown Commercial Service Construction Works and Associated Services Framework RM6088, Lot 4.1 (England and Wales) subject to:

(i)             agreement of the target cost (within the released budget),

(ii)           agreement of the programme for the works and

(iii)         finalising the contract terms.