OREANDA-NEWS.  Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (NYSE:JEC) announced today it was awarded a contract by the Welsh Government to provide technical advisory services for the upgrade of Sections 5 and 6 of the A465 between Dowlais Top and Hirwaun in South Wales, United Kingdom.

Jacobs is providing outline design services and business case, environmental impact assessment, technical and procurement support, and progression of the project through the statutory process. Jacobs is the Employer’s Lead Advisor for this public-private partnership (PPP).

The A465 is a key transport link in Wales and forms part of the trans-European transport network. It is an important strategic route for the urban area of South Wales, providing routes between key settlements. It connects South and West Wales to the Midlands and beyond, to ports serving Ireland and to other European destinations.

The scheme comprises on-line (i.e. built over part of the existing road) widening of approximately 16 kilometers of existing three-lane carriageway to full dual carriageway standard, with a short off-line section (i.e. built away from the existing road) of some 1.5 kilometers at Hirwaun. It includes grade-separated junctions and major structures such as viaduct crossings of the Taff Fawr and Taff Fechan Valleys, and Nant Hir reservoir.

While previously acting as Employer’s Agent Jacobs assisted the Welsh Government to develop the procurement mechanism.

In making the announcement, Jacobs Buildings & Infrastructure Senior Vice President Bob Duff stated, “This scheme is critical to upgrading the transportation infrastructure in South Wales and facilitating regeneration. It will bring important improvements to the user experience, regional accessibility and mobility, and wider links to the national trunk road network and Europe. We are delighted to be continuing our work with the Welsh Government to support its procurement and delivery of this project.”

Jacobs is one of the world's largest and most diverse providers of technical, professional and construction services.