Council approves new highways contract to manage the borough’s £5bn worth of assets

Cheshire East Council is pleased to announce a new contract to manage its highways service across the borough.

Following a rigorous tendering process, the council has approved the award of a new contract to Ringway Jacobs, to deliver highways services for up to15 years on its behalf.

As a commissioning authority, Cheshire East Council procures a number of its services from outside contractors, including its own wholly-owned companies.

A number of the country’s major infrastructure companies bid for the prestigious £600m contract, in a rigorous competitive tendering 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 the previous contract, and will continue to be responsible for the management of the borough’s 1,677 miles of roads, 1,100 miles of footways and 372 miles of cycleways, together with assets that include bridges, street lighting, drainage and signage – assets valued at £5bn.

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 continually monitor and manage the company’s performance through a series of key performance indicators, supported by regular audit checks to ensure quality and value is delivered throughout the life of the contract.

Councillor 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, said: “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.