The complex project will involve improving a 0.9 mile stretch of the A63 at Castle Street by lowering the level of the road into a cutting by approximately seven metres at Mytongate Junction.

Ferensway and Commercial Road would pass over after being raised by approximately one metre creating a split level junction.

Advance works will also include the archaeological excavation to exhume approximately 15,000 bodies from the Trinity Burial Ground.

Original cost estimates for the scheme were in the region of £129m to £192m.

An OJEU notice today for the Early Contractor Involvement deal has pitched the price between £88m and £134m.

Up to five contractors will be invited to bid and firms must express an interest by January 6 with Highways Agency Woodlands, Manton Lane Sara Parker MK41 7LW Bedford UNITED KINGDOM +44 1234796627 [email protected] or online at highways.bravosolution.co.uk