Skanska has won a highways contact with Somerset County Council, which could be worth up to £200m.
The contract runs from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2024, with the option to extend for a further three years based on performance, and 'is likely to be in the region of £20m per year', the council said.
Wells Cathedral in Somerset
As part of the winning bid, Skanska will be working with the council to deliver a number of benefits, ranging from visiting local schools to helping the secure maximum funding from the Government, alongside resurfacing and filling potholes.
Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset’s cabinet member for highways, said: 'It’s great news that we’ve been able to secure a value for money deal with several enhancements.
'One of the goals which I know will be popular includes a commitment to reducing the number of potholes over the life of the contract. We’ll also be looking to improve customer satisfaction and make sure that at least 85% of the supply chain spend stays in the local community.
'We’re proud of the work already being carried out with Skanska but are already working hard to do even better once the new contract begins in April.'
Simon White, operations director for Skanska, said: 'We are delighted to continue our delivery of highways maintenance services for Somerset County Council. This long-term partnership enables us to deliver a responsive and high-quality highways maintenance service for communities and road users across Somerset.
'Using our locally based teams and suppliers, combined with innovative solutions from across our business, we will help maintain and improve roads across the county.'
Skanska was awarded the contract following an extensive procurement process which was carried out jointly with Devon and Plymouth Councils. Although the procurement process was joint, Devon County Council and Plymouth City Council will each have their own contract.
The authorities and their contractors will work together through the lifetime of the contracts to continually improve the cost effectiveness of their highway services. Devon has also agreed to appoint Skanska as its new contractor, while Plymouth City Council awarded its contract to South West Highways Ltd.
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