Cheshire East approves new highways contract

Cheshire East Council has awarded a contract to manage its highways service across the borough to Ringway Jacobs, for up to15 years.

A number of companies bid for the £600m contract, which resulted in a shortlist of three, before the Ringway Jacobs was 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 1,677miles of roads and 1,100 miles of footways and 372 miles of cycleways, together with assets that include bridges, street lighting, drainage and signage  – assets valued at £5 billion.

The company is tasked to manage, maintain and improve the borough’s highways network, deliver value for money and build on customer satisfaction levels.

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.