Balfour and Jones Bros join forces to deliver 9.8km Wales bypass

A 9.8km bypass connecting Caernarfon and Bontnewydd in North Wales is set to be delivered by Balfour Beatty, in a JV with Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, by spring 2021.

The announcement of the project was made today and is being made undertaken on behalf of the Welsh Government with construction of the major road project proposed to significantly improve journey times and ease traffic congestion.

Welsh transport and infrastructure minister Ken Skates has said the main construction work on the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass will begin this winter with the setting up of site compounds and offices to begin shortly.

“I have made clear this scheme will deliver for the area and provide a boost for the region’s economy,” Skates added. “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.”

Having been awarded the Early Contractor Involvement contract in 2015, Balfour Beatty Jones Bros has worked closely with the Welsh Government to fully participate in the development of the scheme, mitigate risks and ultimately provide the most cost-effective design solution.

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 in Wales. 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, positive legacy for the local community.”

Throughout the project lifecycle, Balfour Beatty Jones Bros will provide numerous local employment opportunities, with over 200 operatives and delivery staff anticipated at construction peak.

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.”