PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The M1-A1 Link (also known as the Yorkshire Link and the Belle Isle to Bramham Crossroads Section and Connecting Roads), provides highway connection between two major north-south roadways around Leeds in the north of England. Constructed between 1996 and 1999, the highway links the M1 motorway south of Leeds and A1 trunk road south of Wetherby and serves as a southern by-pass of through traffic around the Leeds conurbation. It functions as a part of the national highway network and serves both national and regional traffic, as well as economic development to the east of Leeds.

The M1-A1 Link is a 19 mile (30 km) route that consists of a 6 lane highway, one viaduct, two tunnels, 37 bridges, and 18 masts supporting closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) to monitor traffic conditions and identify the location of incidents along the roadway. This is the largest shadow toll road projects in terms of the contract cost of $544 million (£293) and included upgrades to portions of the M1, A1, and M62 highways in the vicinity of the new link. Construction of the M1-A1 Link began in March 1996, shortly after contract signing, and opened to traffic three years later in February 1999. The private concession team designed, built, and financed the project and continues to operate and maintain the facility under a 30-year DBFO contract with the Highways Agency.

Exhibit 3.13 shows an important component of the M1-A1 Link, the Aired Valley Viaduct, while it was under construction.

Exhibit 3.13 Aire Valley Viaduct under Construction