Kent County Council is on the lookout for a contractor for a significant highways maintenance contract valued at £2bn, designed to span over a potential 21-year period.
- With a network encompassing 8,750km of roads, Kent manages one of the UK’s most extensive local road systems.
- The forthcoming contract will ensure continuity of essential highway services beyond the expiration of the current agreement in April 2026.
- A detailed selection and tendering process is anticipated, involving up to four candidates initially, with further shortlisting to three for in-depth discussions.
- Potential contractors have until 25 November to express their interest, with successful applicants to be notified by 9 December.
Kent County Council is initiating the procurement process for a new highways maintenance contract, set to be one of the largest in the UK, valued at £2bn over a potential 21-year term. This expansive contract includes the maintenance of an immense network of roads, totaling approximately 8,750km, which covers 990km of A roads, 450km of B roads, 1,880km of C roads, and 5,430km of unclassified roads.
The council is strategically planning to transition to this new contract by November next year, ensuring that service provision remains uninterrupted post the April 2026 expiration of the current agreement. This approach will provide sufficient lead time for implementation, facilitating a smooth operational handover.
The selection process is designed to be comprehensive, initially involving four top-scoring candidates. These candidates will be invited to participate in initial discussions and submit tenders. Following this, three will be shortlisted to engage in more detailed negotiations concerning the contract’s scope, leasing arrangements, and other specifications, allowing for document adjustments during the tendering phase.
Key components of the contract include essential services such as drainage maintenance, bridge repairs, and tunnel management. Additionally, it covers routine actions like highway patching and surface defect repairs, aimed at preserving pavement assets. Crucially, the contract extends to urgent response services, encompassing scenarios from adverse weather conditions to emergency structural failures.
Furthermore, the winning contractor is expected to undertake regular maintenance and improvement schemes across high-speed roads, structures, and tunnels. The council is contemplating either purchasing or leasing the required gritting fleet as part of its operational strategy, while also considering direct acquisition of gritting salt.
Contractors interested in this substantial opportunity must submit their expressions of interest by midday on 25 November. Those successfully advancing in the process will be informed by 9 December, setting the stage for the next critical phase of negotiations and planning.
The Kent County Council’s procurement initiative marks a fundamental step towards sustaining and enhancing its extensive road network for decades to come.
