The facts
Client: Cumbria County
Council
Location: Carlisle, Cumbria
Services: Highway and Structures
Design, EIA, Transport Modelling, Economic Appraisal, Nature &
Conservation Advice Geotechnical Analysis, Traffic Assessments,
Contract Documentation, Change Protocols, Performance
Specifications, Undertaking Risk Assessments Project Programming,
Project Management, Sub-consultant Management
Project Value: Estimated £142m
Start/Completion: 2002 - 2038
The project
Capita Symonds is working on behalf of Cumbria County
Council as a technical adviser for the Carlisle Northern
Development Road Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project, a £142m
scheme for the construction of a 5.5 mile bypass on the west side
of Carlisle including major crossings of the River Eden and the
West Coast Main Line.
The project also includes the management and maintenance of
150km of the existing primary route network for a 30-year period.
The main objectives of the new road are to relieve traffic
congestion in Carlisle and to promote development of Kingmoor
Business Park to the north of the city.
Capita Symonds has provided transport consultancy services to
Cumbria County Council throughout the development, appraisal,
tender and implementation process. Examples of the modeling work we
have carried out on this contract are set out below.
A SATURN highways model of Carlisle and the surrounding area was
constructed to develop options and identify a preferred
option. The model was constructed using a combination of road
side interview, traffic count and journey time data.
The SATURN model was used to develop traffic forecast for a
number of scheme options. This included an assessment of variable
demand using DIADEM in combination with SATURN. An economic
appraisal was then carried out using TUBA together with COBA for
accident benefits. The appraisal was carried out for opening
and design years and the results formed a key element of the
Business Case successfully submitted to the Department for
Transport.
A significant element of the payment mechanism for the PFI
contract depended on traffic flows at specified
locations. Capita Symonds carried out a technical review of
the modelling carried out by each Bidder together with a
comparison of flows produced by the Bidders and
Capita Symonds.