Contract for $2.2B Haweswater Viaduct Pipeline Project Nears Key Decisions
United Utilities, the company behind the £1.75 billion ($2.27 billion) Haweswater Viaduct pipeline project, is yet to finalize the awarding of contracts for this significant infrastructure undertaking.
The pipeline, which will stretch from the Lake District to Lancashire and Greater Manchester, has garnered significant attention due to its scale and complexity, with local councils in Lancashire closely monitoring its potential economic impact on their communities as the project moves forward.
Last year, reports suggested that international companies, including those from Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Canada, could be in the running for the project's contracts.
To ensure the efficient delivery of the project, United Utilities has appointed a technical adviser consultancy. The consultancy will be crucial in overseeing the project's technical aspects and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
The Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken by United Utilities since the privatization of the UK water industry.
The construction phase is expected to last approximately eight years, with a potential 25-year maintenance contract following completion.
Local officials have called for a detailed economic impact assessment to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the project, with a comprehensive economic study still pending despite environmental assessment having been conducted.
As United Utilities continues to progress with the procurement process, local communities remain hopeful that the project will be delivered smoothly and with minimal disruption to their daily lives.