Context
In the context of a program to increase train capacity (from 26 m to 52 m) and modernize a metro line, a company was entrusted with the ventilation and smoke extraction works for 17 stations and 12 inter-station shafts, under an initial contract supplemented by an additional contract, for a total amount of €7.0 M excl. VAT.
The execution of the contract was severely disrupted by events beyond the contractor's control, including in particular the discovery of asbestos in stations and shafts, changes to safety standards imposed by State authorities, and multiple instances of late handovers. These disruptions resulted in a fundamental upset to the project's economics and significant delays to both partial and overall completion milestones.
Argos Construction acted as expert in support of Colas Rail in connection with its claim for additional compensation.