Leading Highways Contractor chosen to maximise council`s investment in its roads
2 June 2010
One of the country’s leading highways and roads contractors has been chosen by Southampton City Council to help fix its roads and pavements. Balfour Beatty has been chosen as the preferred bidder by the council in a massive value for money deal.
By taking advantage of this new partnership the council is aiming to:
- Increase the amount of money spent on Southampton’s roads and pavements
- Deliver increased efficiency in the service area by taking advantage of the best private sector expertise
- Improve service levels so residents see a better service.
Savings from the contract, which is worth more than £100 million over the next 10 years, will be ploughed straight back into the service to improve the state of the city’s roads.
Councillor Matthew Dean, Cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said: “I am delighted that Southampton City Council has chosen Balfour Beatty as its preferred bidder. Balfour Beatty have a reputation of being one of the best in the business when it comes to improving roads and pavements.
“We know that the roads and pavements in our city need a lot of work to get them up to the standard that our residents deserve. This is a major step in achieving that.
“I’m not saying that we will wave a wand and instantly improve our roads but what this enables us to do is ensure the money we do have available to spend on our roads gives us maximum value..
“This partnership means we will be able to use the best expertise and equipment the private sector has to offer to tackle the condition of our infrastructure. This isn’t a money saving exercise –any efficiencies made during this contract will be ploughed straight back into improving our roads and pavements for the future. It is about getting more bang for our buck and getting value for money.”
The final contract award, which will be for ten years with the option of an extension, will be made in early July. Balfour Beatty will begin work on Southampton`s roads in October.
For further information:
Contact: Southampton City Council Press Office
Tel: 023 8083 2000