The facts
Client: CEVM (Compagnie
Eiffage du Viaduc de Millau)
Location: Millau,
France
Services: Independent Engineer to
Lenders
Sector: Highways
Contract Type: PPP under French
Concession Regime
Project Value: €400m
Start/Completion: 2006 - ongoing
The project
The Millau Viaduct carries the A75
motorway over the Tarn river valley in the south of France. It is a
2.46km long multi-span cable stayed viaduct and was opened in
December 2004. The cost of construction was €400m.
The viaduct was designed, constructed and is
operated and maintained under a 75 year Concession between CEVM
(Compagnie Eiffage du Viaduc de Millau), and the French State.
In 2006/07 the Concession viaduct was
re-financed with funds provided from a consortium of European banks
and financial institutions such as monoline insurers. As part of
this process Capita Symonds acted as Independent Engineer and
provided technical advice and due diligence for Lenders. We
are continuing to provide this service throughout the operation and
maintenance of the Concession.
At the time of re-financing Capita
Symonds carried out a comprehensive technical audit of the
operation and maintenance of the viaduct including an assessment of
routine and life cycle maintenance activities, programme, costs,
budgets, environmental impact and risks.
Since re-financing Capita Symonds
provides an annual report to Lenders on operation and maintenance
activities including a review of technical issues, risks, costs and
budgets. This includes an annual site visit and meeting with the
Concessionaire and review of monthly operation and maintenance
reports.
We also certify annual budget
forecasts provided by the Concessionaire for operation and
maintenance activities.
Image © Eiffage
CEVM/Foster & Partners/D Jamme.