Jones Bros secures joint venture contract to deliver £135 million Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass19th Dec 2018

A leading civil engineering company has been appointed to build a major North Wales highway as part of a 50:50 joint venture.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is commencing work with Balfour Beatty to deliver the £135 million Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass on behalf of the Welsh Government.

The announcement follows the end of a formal statutory process.

The project will create a new 9.8km carriageway from the Goat roundabout on the A499/A487 to the Plas Menai roundabout, realigning the A487 to ease congestion, improve journey times, and support the North West Wales economy.

Work includes the construction of 14 structures, including 148-metre and 280-metre viaducts over the Afon Seiont and Afon Gwyrfai respectively, two multi-span bridges, 18 culverts, three new roundabouts, and two reconfigured roundabouts.

Detailed designs, preparations, and ground investigations are currently taking place, with the setting up of a site compound and offices to begin shortly.

More than 200 operative and delivery staff are anticipated to be on site during the peak of construction, with completion expected in autumn 2021. The scheme will also involve apprentice, trainee, and work placement positions.

Hefin Lloyd-Davies, contracts director at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said: “The progression of the contract is pleasing and we’re looking forward to providing benefits to the region including jobs, training, and skills.

“We have a proud history of not only delivering high profile projects in a joint venture with Balfour Beatty, but caring about the communities in which we operate.”

Thomas Edgcumbe, managing director for Balfour Beatty’s Regional North and Midlands business, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of a scheme which on completion will provide significant benefits to the economic landscape.

“Having worked with Jones Bros and the Welsh Government on a number of ongoing and historic projects, we are confident that we will successfully deliver this highly anticipated scheme to schedule and leave behind a lasting legacy for the local community.”

Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased to announce Balfour Beatty and Jones Bros will be working together to construct this significant development in North West Wales.

“I have made clear this scheme will deliver for the area and provide a boost for the region’s economy. Balfour Beatty Jones Bros will be putting this into action by offering local employment opportunities as well as placements for trainees, apprentices and graduates. There will also be a prime focus on local spend on materials and sub-contracts where possible and meet the buyer events will be held in due course to encourage local people and companies to apply for work on the project.

“The Welsh Government is investing substantially in the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass which will make a real difference to communities in the area as well as the travelling public.

“Design and development work continues at speed and construction will begin shortly.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family.

It works on projects including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence, and renewable energy projects around the UK.