Norfolk County Council has put contractors on notice for a £500m highways contract.
A prior information notice published on 13 March outlines that the local authority is seeking a contractor to focus on highway maintenance. The firm would also be expected to carry out other infrastructure work including drainage, and coastal and flood defence.
The scope of the contract is set to include work such as junction improvements, bus lanes, surfacing, bridge maintenance, road marking and early contractor involvement in larger schemes.
The chosen firm would also be required to support the council with work that arises due to the impact of extreme weather.
The notice adds that other works may include construction associated with passenger transport such as buildings at bus interchanges, as well as the construction of household-waste recycling centres.
The notice estimates that the deal could last for an initial term of 12 years, although the actual length has not yet been finalised.
Procurement is expected to start in December, with the contract coming into force in April 2026.
The council also plans to procure associated professional services and traffic-signal maintenance contracts at the same time.
Norfolk’s cabinet member for highways, Graham Plant, said: “These are amongst our most significant contracts, and I want to make sure that highway schemes minimise disruption to road users, and that we get the maximum benefit from the Norfolk pound.
“As well as offering great value for money, bidders will need to offer apprenticeships and show us how they will reduce the carbon footprint from maintaining our roads.”
Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth, added that the local authority wants to maximise the amount of work going to local subcontractors.
“We aim to be a great council to do business with, and I encourage main contractors with the right track record to meet our highways team and help shape the requirement,” he added.
Norfolk County Council is planning to hold one-to-one online meetings with potential bidders in May.
Those interested in taking part in the procurement process should register with the council here.
