Central Bedfordshire Council has started the search for a contractor to deliver its highways maintenance and improvement works in a deal that could last 10 years.

The successful bidder will carry out works including reactive and planned maintenance, structural inspections, bridge repairs, road building, street lighting replacement and winter maintenance.

Other duties will include looking after cycleways, providing emergency response on the highway network, and delivering design and other professional services, reports Construction News.

The contract will come into effect on 1 April 2023 and last for an initial seven years, with the possibility of three 12-month extensions.

Contractors have until 23 June to express their interest in the deal, with five or six expected to be invited to tender in July.