£762m highways deal promises better road maintenance across Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council has highlighted its preferred contract bidders for highways services for the coming years.

Balfour Beatty Group, Colas and WSP UK have been recommended to deliver highways services for Lincolnshire County Council from April 1, 2020.

The authority's three current successful highways maintenance contracts are due to end in March 2020, having reached their maximum 10 year length.

The council says that following a detailed procurement process Balfour Beatty Group , Colas and WSP UK are the successful bidders for the new contracts, at a combined value of up to £762m over a potential 12 years.

Balfour Beatty Group has been recommended for the main highways works contract, worth an estimated £638m. They will be responsible for the majority of road repairs, including fixing potholes, winter maintenance, signs, road markings and cutting grass verges.

Colas has been recommended for the traffic signal contract, worth an estimated £26m, and WSP UK has been recommended for the professional design services contract, worth an estimated £98m.

Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: "It was important to get the best possible deal for taxpayers, so we've put a lot of time and care into these negotiations.

"The new contracts will see significant investment in improved equipment and new technology at highways depots around the county, which will mean better road repairs going forward.

"The companies have also shown a willingness to use local suppliers and take on apprentices, meaning there will be wider benefits for our communities.

"I feel confident the executive will be able to award a contract at our meeting on October 1, which would mean Balfour Beatty, Colas and WSP can start preparing for the start of the new contracts on April 1, 2020.

"I would like to thank our current partners for their efforts in delivering highways services for the people of Lincolnshire over the past 10 years and look forward to seeing how the new contracts develop."

Each contract will initially run for six years, with the option to extend for a further six years after that.

Around 250 highways staff will be affected by the changes, who are expected to transfer to the new suppliers.

The council's executive members will decide whether to award the contracts at their meeting on Tuesday October 1.