As the roadways were to be opened in July 1999, the consortium faced a virtual calamity, because the Burnley Tunnel developed serious structural defects. The floor started lifting, by almost half a metre! Hurriedly, a solution was devised to insert hundreds of rock anchors into the floor. In the meantime, liquidated damages and cost overruns wiped out any profit. The Authorities permitted the opening of the Western Link in August 1999, at no cost to motorists, whilst repairs continued on Burnley Tunnel.
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