Cheshire East Council has announced a new contract to manage its highways service.
Following a rigorous tendering process, the council has approved the award of a new contract to Ringway Jacobs, to deliver highways services across the borough for up to15 years.
As a commissioning authority, Cheshire East Council procures a number of services from outside contractors, including from its own wholly-owned companies.
A number of the country’s major infrastructure companies tendered a bid for the £600m contract in a rigorous and competitive process, which resulted in a shortlist of three providers for the final stage before Ringway Jacobs was finally chosen.
Ringway Jacobs has been responsible for the council’s highways services since 2011, under its previous contract, and will continue to be responsible for the management of more than 1,600 miles of roads, over 1,000 miles of footways and almost 400 miles of cycleways.
Their responsibility also includes assets such as bridges, street lighting, drainage and signage – in total, valued at £5bn.
The council says the company will manage, maintain and improve the borough’s highways network, deliver value for money and build on customer satisfaction levels.
The council will monitor the company’s performance through a series of key performance indicators, supported by regular audit checks.
Cllr Glen Williams, deputy cabinet member for environment, said: “This new contract with Ringway Jacobs will better meet the needs of our residents and road users, whether it is gritting in the winter months or road repairs and resurfacing work during the better weather.
“We have an extensive urban and rural road network and the demands on our service are understandably severe at times.
“I am confident that this new contract will ensure we continue to deliver the highest possible standard of service throughout Cheshire East and deliver value for money for our residents and businesses.”
Mike O’Neill, managing director of Ringway Jacobs, added: “We are delighted to be chosen to continue as Cheshire East Council’s partner for highways services.
“We look forward to building on our current relationship to deliver the very best outcomes for the residents and businesses in Cheshire East.”
The new contract will take effect from October 2018.
You can find out more about the council’s highways service here.
