The race for a contractor has begun by the Surrey County Council. The council aims to move away from a standard contracted out deal towards a full partnership approach. This old style delivers highways upkeep and new road projects.
The existing maintenance contract with Kier is due to expire in April 2022 and will make way for the new approach. The new contract is to deliver £80m annual highways maintenance needs through the next 21 years.
Surrey moved to an extensive pre-market engagement exercise to develop its aim. This not only delivers core highway maintenance needs, but creates an environment where the council and the supplier would consider ways to transform the way the services are delivered over time.
The new approach starts with a race to invite bidders for the new maintenance contract. This potentially introduces new aspects to the service. Surrey said the contract term with extensions could be for 21 years – involving a 10-year initial term.
The new scheme with the assigned supplier will not only deliver day to day maintenance services, but may also assist with the design and delivery of major schemes. Alongside, new innovations connected to the operation of the highways network will be implemented.
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