National framework contracts awarded worth up to £2 billion

Highways Agency appoints four companies to deliver first phase.

Four contractors have been awarded a national framework contract for up to £2 billion of work, to deliver Managed Motorways schemes.

The contract will reduce congestion, improve safety and make journey times more reliable on key sections of England’s motorways.

Balfour Beatty, BAM Nuttall / Morgan Est Joint Venture, Carillion and Costain/Serco Joint Venture have been appointed by the Highways Agency to deliver the first phase of these innovative schemes.

The contract brings together companies from across the industry under one framework – giving the Agency the best delivery capability to ensure value for money at a project and programme level.

The framework contract is expected to deliver Managed Motorway schemes to the M62 hard shoulder running between junctions 25 and 30, M1 hard shoulder running between junctions 32 and 35a and M6 hard shoulder running between junctions 5 and 8.

Also, the M60 hard shoulder running between junctions 8 and 12, M62 hard shoulder running between junctions 18 and 20 and M4/M5 hard shoulder running from M4 Junction 19 to M5 Junction 17.

Other schemes which improve capacity and traffic flow, utilising technology to make journey times more reliable, improve safety and provide driver information, could also be delivered under this framework contract.

Transport Minister, Chris Mole, said: "Managed Motorways use a range of innovative technology to improve traffic flow during busy periods."

Features such as variable speed limits and opening up the hard shoulder to traffic at peak times provide more reliable journey times, reduced congestion, and safer journeys."

Further information:
Highways Agency