Tarmac secures four year Walsall Borough Council highways contract
Walsall Council has awarded Tarmac a highways term maintenance contract valued at circa £7 million per year.
The contract will see Tarmac's National Contracting division deliver an integrated programme, which will include road surfacing, winter maintenance, 24-hour highways related emergencies, footpath reconstruction, sign manufacturing and erection, gully cleaning and reactive works such as pothole repairs.
The contract will start at the beginning of May 2009 and will run until May 2013, with an option for two number two-year extensions.
The new Contract, which was won under competitive tender, builds on an existing and successful six-year working relationship between the company and Walsall which has seen Tarmac deliver surfacing works across the borough. Tarmac will continue to work closely with the Council, and has transferred all 46 existing Walsall Highways employees under TUPE to work on the new contract.
Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council is located in the West Midlands at the confluence of the M6 and M5. With a population of 254,000 and a highway network of around 856km, the borough's roads are a crucial asset for locals and visitors to the region. Importantly, Walsall's road system also acts as an overflow when there are major incidents on the motorway network.
This contract is an important part in improving the quality of the highway maintenance service and meeting the objectives set out in the Council's recently published Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP).
Tarmac's proven experience - as well as its commitment to safety, quality and project delivery - was a key factor in securing the contract, with the tenders assessed on a quality and financial criteria.
As part of the deal, Tarmac will supply the Borough's asphalt requirements. Importantly, the use of recycled materials will be considered wherever possible and will be combined with innovative products from Tarmac to deliver the most sustainable solutions for Walsall.
Rick Green, Tarmac National Contracting Director, Central said: "This new contract builds on our strong track record of working with local authorities to deliver long-term highways contracts which provide real efficiency improvements, promote best value, sustainability and spread best practice. We have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Walsall over the past few years, and look forward to developing this further through this new contract."
Councillor Harris cabinet member for transport said: "We've been looking forward to this day - we already have a positive and productive working relationship with Tarmac and are looking forward to developing this under the new contract."
"This contract with Tarmac will help us improve Walsall's road network for all road users and residents. Our roads are vital arteries for the borough and are critical to the region's prosperity. Improved roads will also help create a safer environment all-round, which is good news for everyone."
Tarmac is currently an appointed contractor in the neighbouring West Midlands local authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Warwickshire and Sandwell, as well as on the Highways Agency's Midlands Framework 3.
1 May 2009
