Kier, a leading UK infrastructure services, construction and property group, has today (1 April) mobilised colleagues to begin delivery of its £700m Norfolk highways and infrastructure works term services contract.
Awarded by Norfolk County Council, the contract will run for up to 14 years and covers the maintenance and improvement of 9,836km of the county’s highway network.
100 new colleagues have been TUPE’d over to Kier from the council’s previous contractor, with a comprehensive induction programme taking place ahead of commencing works.
Kier will deliver surfacing, surface dressing, planned maintenance, drainage improvements, bridge and structures work, and cyclical maintenance including grass cutting and drainage cleansing as part of the project.
Bobbie Perks, general manager at Kier Infrastructure, said:
This is a long-term contract and we’re setting it up for long-term success, by bringing all stakeholders together and having early engagement, and focusing on the culture, team and ways of working we need. I’m really proud to be welcoming over 100 new colleagues to Kier, all with key skills and expertise needed to successfully deliver improvements that will make a real difference to communities across Norfolk.
Grahame Bygrave, director of highways, transport & waste at Norfolk County Council, said:
We’re really looking forward to starting this long-term partnership with Kier. The Norfolk County Council Highways Department is an outstanding team, who work hard to deliver the very best for the residents of Norfolk. I know that Kier share our values of quality, innovation and sustainability, and I’m looking forward to working with them.
The partnership will bring in new technologies, champion inclusive growth and active travel, as well as opening up local jobs and opportunities for skills development, including support for care leavers.
This latest maintenance contract strengthens Kier’s long-term local authority highways portfolio, which includes Birmingham, Shropshire, Somerset and North and West Northamptonshire.
