SPaTS Framework Lot 1: Services in connection with Acoustic Monitoring and Cable Dehumidification Systems - Severn River Crossing

The Severn Crossings, including responsibility for their maintenance and toll operation, will return to public ownership on 8 January 2018. Government announced on 21st July 2017 the removal of the tolls at Severn River Crossing by the end of 2018. There is therefore a need to develop an "interim" solution for the ongoing delivery of the services associated with the crossings, ensuring continuity of service to their users

All key supply chain contracts for the toll are currently managed by Severn River Crossing Plc. To ensure continuity of service, Highways England is identifying the key supply chain arrangements, to arrange the continuation of current contracts to Highways England before the end of December 2017.

As part of this portfolio of contracts is the current Acoustic Monitoring and Maintenance Contract currently provided by Mistras Ltd and the associated Project Manager for Acoustic Monitoring currently provided by AECOM; and the main cable and anchorage dehumidification systems for which AECOM currently provides data collection, interpretation and advice. These contract will need to be replaced when the Severn River Crossing move to public ownership in January 2018.

Acoustic Monitoring is used to assess the deterioration rates of the wires within the M48 Severn Bridge main cables. Sensors over the entire length of both main cables provide information on the rate of failure, and location of wire breakages, enabling the programming of maintenance and safety critical controls along the bridge.

The main cable and anchorage dehumidification systems limit the deterioration rates of the wires within the M48 Severn Bridge main cables. Sensors inside the plant rooms, at injection and exhaust sleeves and inside the anchorages provide information on the performance of the systems.