High standards are the way forward in new roads contract

Date Added: 05/04/2022

A search has started to find a partner to provide up to £150m of highways maintenance works in Central Bedfordshire over a minimum 7-year period, with a clear focus on quality, sustainability, and responsiveness.

We are an ambitious authority, and we invest funds in our highways network in addition to that provided by government. As outlined in our Strategic Plan, which contributes to our Vision 2050, the investment will deliver our strategic priorities and we are looking for a partner who shares our values and commitment.

The existing highways maintenance contract ends on 31 March 2023, and we are taking this opportunity to retender the contract and have begun engagement with potential bidders.

The contract will cover maintaining and improving the roads, pavements, rights of way, drainage, street lighting, bridges and other structures, traffic management, winter service, and emergency response services such as handling flooding and removing fallen trees.

The intention is to find a partner who will respond quickly to requests, carry out high-standard repairs and ensure the road network is well maintained and safe for all road users in all conditions.

The scale of this contract will enable us to achieve good value for money.

We will go out to tender in May with a view to identifying a preferred bidder in the autumn. This will ensure that there is time for our new partner to mobilise collaboratively with us and be ready to start delivery on 1 April 2023.

Delivering and improving services such as roads and transport is a key priority in our Strategic Plan. We are committed to making the best use of resources, working efficiently, and having the most positive impact on our residents' lives.