Skanska wins Somerset roads deal

Skanska has been awarded a contract to maintain the roads on behalf of Somerset County Council.

The contract will run from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2024, with the option to extend for a further three years based on performance. The exact value of the contract will vary depending on how much work is ordered and carried out, although it is likely to be in the region of £20m per year.

Skanska will be responsible for a number of services from resurfacing and filling potholes to responding to emergencies and gritting roads.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “The signing of a new term maintenance contract may not sound very exciting, but it covers a lot of services which we know are very important to people.

“It’s great news that we’ve been able to secure a value for money deal with several enhancements. One of the goals which I know will be popular includes a commitment to reducing the number of potholes over the life of the contract. We’ll also be looking to improve customer satisfaction and make sure that at least 85% of the supply chain spend stays in the local community.

Simon White, operations director for Skanska, added: “We are delighted to continue our delivery of highways maintenance services for Somerset County Council. This long-term partnership enables us to deliver a responsive and high-quality highways maintenance service for communities and road users across Somerset.

“Using our locally based teams and suppliers, combined with innovative solutions from across our business, we will help maintain and improve roads across the county.”

Skanska was awarded the contract following an extensive procurement process which was carried out jointly with Devon and Plymouth Councils to ensure competitiveness and to put in place opportunities for future collaborative working.

Devon has also agreed to appoint Skanska as its new contractor, while Plymouth City Council awarded its contract to South West Highways Ltd.