Essex County Council has announced plans for a new £3bn Highways Maintenance Contract which will begin in April 2027. The current Highways Strategic Transformation Contract, which oversees maintenance and management of the county’s extensive road network, is due to conclude on 31 March 2027, says New Civil Engineer.

The Council is now seeking a contractor to undertake comprehensive maintenance of Essex’s highways and associated assets, in line with legal responsibilities under the Highways Act 1980. The forthcoming contract will cover all aspects of both reactive and planned maintenance, ensuring continuous upkeep and improvement of the county’s transport infrastructure.

With an estimated total contract value of £3bn including VAT (£2.5bn without VAT), the council is underscoring the scale and ambition of this long-term partnership, which will run for seven years from 1 April 2027 until 31 March 2034. The successful contractor will be tasked not only with routine repairs and maintenance but also with the design and delivery of improvement schemes that align with Essex County Council’s strategic growth plans.

Importantly, the council has emphasised the need for forward-thinking delivery through the adoption of best practices, innovations and new technologies. This focus aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of highway maintenance, while supporting local communities and the economy. The contractor will be expected to actively contribute to the council’s broader goals, including supporting economic growth and addressing the infrastructure needs of a growing population.

The tender notice for the contract is expected to be published in October, marking the start of what is anticipated to be a competitive bidding process among public works contractors with expertise in large-scale highway management.