Kier Transportation’s new £225m highways maintenance contract with Somerset Council has now begun, with many existing staff transferring to the new provider.
Kier took over responsibility for key maintenance works on the new unitary authority’s 4,172-mile road network from Milestone Infrastructure in an eight-year deal that started on 1 April.
The contract includes road repairs, drainage, verge cutting and winter service, such as gritting and other emergency functions in adverse weather.
The council said that many of the staff operating under the previous contract have transferred to Kier, ensuring that it holds on to valuable experience and expertise.
Its lead member for transport and digital, Richard Wilkins, was introduced to the Kier team at an induction event held this week at Bridgwater’s Canalside centre.
He said: ‘Kier have some exciting proposals about taking the service further in terms of flexibility and efficiency whilst delivering carbon reduction and maximising social value for our communities.
‘This is a major refresh of our network maintenance services. We are committed to building in resilience to climate change, ensuring a safe, serviceable and sustainable network that is fit for purpose for all users and supports the growth of the local economy.’
Allan Rigby, general manager at Kier Transportation, said: ‘Following our appointment in October, we have been working hard to mobilise the contract so that we can deliver a first-class road maintenance contract from day one.
‘We look forward to seeing how we can bring added value to the area, through our carbon reduction plans and delivering social value for our communities. This will be through us supporting the local economy by using local supplies and SMEs, as well as providing career opportunities for those in the area.'
The council has also recently awarded four other multi-million-pound contracts, covering resurfacing, surface dressing, new assets and lighting.
