Kier successfully mobilises its Somerset Council maintenance contract

Kier has successfully mobilised its Somerset maintenance contract, with its new client Somerset Council. The contract commenced this week, with the induction for colleagues taking place on 2 April.

Over 100 employees have been TUPE'd over to Kier from the previous contractor, retaining key expertise and knowledge across the 4,172-mile road network.

The £225m contract will run for the next 8 years, with an option to extend for a further 4 years.

The contract marks a new era in Somerset highways maintenance and is a refresh for the service in the area, with an additional focus on reducing the carbon output of the maintenance works and delivering adding value for the community.

"Following our appointment in October, we have been working hard to mobilise the contract so that we can deliver a first-class road maintenance contract from day one."

"We look forward to seeing how we can bring added value to the area, through our carbon reduction plans and delivering social value for our communities. This will be achieved through us supporting the local economy by using local supplies and SMEs, as well as providing career opportunities for those in the area."

Allan Rigbygeneral manager at Kier Transportation

Representatives from Somerset Council and Kier celebrating the contract launch

"We're really delighted to have Kier as our new partner maintaining our network - they have some exciting proposals about taking the service further in terms of carbon reduction, efficiency and maximising social value for our communities."

"This is a major refresh of our network maintenance services. We are committed to building in resilience to climate change, ensuring a safe, serviceable and sustainable network that is fit for purpose for all users and supports the growth of the local economy."

"It's really vital we have a financially resilient service that is cost effective, as well as being flexible and agile, attracting the best people and embracing new technologies to enable innovation."

Councillor Wilkins

The contract covers key maintenance works - including road repairs, drainage, verge cutting and winter service such as gritting and other emergency functions in adverse weather.