Shropshire Star

Telford roads contract worth £220 million open for bids

Bidding has opened on Telford & Wrekin Council's highways maintenance contract which could be worth £220 million.

Published

The council has published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, marking the start of the formal procurement process.

The contract will be for the maintenance of roads, footpaths, structures, signs and drainage in the borough.

The council looks after 626 miles of road, 132 miles of cycleways, 135 bridges, 120 roundabouts and 16,000 signs.

Council bosses say the new highways contract will provide better value for money.

The contract is for an initial period of seven years, with the potential to extend for another seven years.

It could be worth up to £220 million if the agreement is extended for the full 14 years.

The preferred bidder is expected to be appointed in September next year and start work in April 2019.

It will replace the council's current highways contract with TWS.

A similar process for the council’s grounds maintenance and street cleaning services will also begin soon.

Telford & Wrekin Council's highways chief, Councillor Angela McClements said: “A strong infrastructure is needed to keep the borough moving, as people have jobs to get to, schools to attend, friends to see and homes to return to at the end of the day.

“Altogether we look after 626 miles of road, 132 miles of cycleways, 135 bridges, 120 roundabouts, 16,000 signs as well as other infrastructure assets.

"We have already invested in improving our footpaths, street lights and roads and we hope that the new highways contract will help us to provide better value for money for taxpayers and a real focus on improving performance and quality of work."

Interested bidders can register for further information through the council’s procurement portal at http://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20185/contracts_tenders_and_procurement/332/tender_opportunities