Construction begins on £56 million FARRRS project in Doncaster, UK

Mott MacDonald has had a wide-ranging role on FARRRS, including providing the route’s design and helping the council and its private sector partners gain funding from the government’s Regional Growth Fund. The consultancy has also offered advice on transport and environmental appraisals, planning submission preparation, public consultation, contractor procurement and land assembly, including the preparation of compulsory purchase and side roads orders.

FARRRS will provide a new 4km highway from the M18 at junction 3 to Parrott’s Corner on the A638 Bawtry Road. It will create links to Robin Hood Airport and new developments in Rossington, including Verdion’s Inland Port and Harworth Estate’s redevelopment of the former Rossington Colliery. Reclaimed material from the colliery spoil tips will be used to form raised embankments for most of the road. Additionally, several new bridges will be built to cross over the East Coast Main Line, the Brancliffe to Kirk Sandall railway line and various watercourses.

John Bowes, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “FARRRS will greatly improve accessibility and connectivity in the south east of Doncaster and is part of a wider strategy of regeneration aimed at attracting further private sector investment. As well as improving access to Robin Hood Airport it will also connect strategic sites for employment and housing.”

“Mott MacDonald has made a significant contribution to identifying, designing and delivering an affordable solution that unlocks these long term benefits, not only for Doncaster but for the whole Sheffield City Region,” John added.

The road is due to be fully operational by early 2016.