EM Highway Services has taken over responsibility for the maintenance of major roads in Area 9 – the Highways Agency’s largest maintenance contract.
EM currently manages and maintains three other Highways Agency areas and has now begun a five-year contract in Area 9, taking over operations from previous incumbent service provider Amey.
With extensions possible until 2022, the new contract is worth up to £160m per annum.
As well as changing from a Managing Agent Contractor (MAC) contract to an Asset Support Contract (ASC), the takeover signifies a change in highways delivery for both EM and the Highways Agency. With the customer being placed at the forefront of every aspect of work, road users can expect to see a smoothly operated network that will improve their experience of driving throughout the Area 9 network.
Dave Wright, managing director for EM Highway Services, said: “We are privileged to be working in Area 9, the biggest area for the Highways Agency. Through our ongoing management of the Area 3 network, we have a strong background in successfully delivering an ASC providing the best service and customer experience possible. Over the next five years, we have a lot to deliver on behalf of the Highways Agency with the most pinch point schemes planned to take place in Area 9. But we will take it all in our stride like we usually do, working collaboratively with the HA, our supply chain and stakeholders.”
Area 9 comprises the Highways Agency's network in central England. It covers major roads in much of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire, as well as parts of Gloucestershire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and includes the seven metropolitan boroughs of Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Solihull, Coventry and the City of Birmingham. The roads covered by the contract are sections of the M50, M5, M6, M42, M40, A5, A38, A46, A49, A38(M), M54 and M69.
Tim Harbot, regional director for the Highways Agency, added: “The Highways Agency welcomes this new partnership with EM Highway Services. We are really looking forward to seeing an innovative and seamless approach to delivering a customer-focused service which will benefit all road users. EM has a great track record working in our other areas, so we have great expectations of the company and are confident that it will maximise opportunities while delivering value for the tax payer.”
