£200million Southend highways maintenance contract up for grabs

A major contract worth £200 million is up for tender as Southend-on-Sea City Council seeks a new contractor to manage, maintain, and improve the town’s road network and infrastructure.

The council is inviting expressions of interest from organisations capable of taking on this extensive highways maintenance and improvement contract.

The successful bidder will be responsible for delivering a wide range of essential services, from emergency road repairs and resurfacing projects to winter maintenance and coastal protection.

Who currently holds the contract?

The contract is currently in the hands of Marlborough Highways, which has been delivering highways maintenance in Southend-on-Sea since 2016. Working in partnership with the council, Marlborough has maintained the town’s 16 square miles of road network.

The new contract, set to begin when Marlborough’s term ends, will run for an initial period of seven years (84 months), with an option to extend annually for up to a further seven years. If all extensions are granted, the total contract length could reach 14 years, making it a long-term and highly lucrative opportunity for contractors in the highways sector.

What does the contract involve?

The successful bidder will be responsible for a comprehensive list of tasks, ensuring Southend-on-Sea’s roads and infrastructure remain safe, accessible, and well-maintained. Key responsibilities include:

• Immediate and emergency response – Addressing urgent defects, potholes, and road safety hazards.
• Routine highway inspections and maintenance – Regular checks to identify and repair issues before they escalate.
• Resurfacing and structural repairs – Planned upgrades to carriageways and footways to improve road quality and durability.
• Coastal protection – Safeguarding the town’s coastal infrastructure from erosion and environmental damage.
• Public realm and highway improvements – Enhancements to roads, pavements, and public spaces to support local regeneration efforts.
• Winter maintenance – Gritting and snow clearance to ensure road safety during cold weather.
• Highway verge maintenance – Managing grass cutting, vegetation clearance, and upkeep of roadside areas.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has outlined clear expectations for the chosen contractor, which will be required to:

• Act as the principal contractor for all projects under the agreement.
• Supply and manage labour, equipment, materials, and resources efficiently.
• Maintain a specialist supply chain to deliver expert services where required.
• Provide accurate and timely data to support contract performance evaluation.
• Confirm the presence of underground utilities and infrastructure before undertaking works.

Key objectives of the contract

The council has identified several key goals that must be met throughout the contract period:

• Road user safety: Ensuring roads, footpaths, and public spaces are safe for all users.
• Asset preservation: Protecting the long-term value of Southend’s infrastructure through proactive maintenance.
• Visual appeal: Keeping Southend’s roads and public areas in good condition to maintain the town’s aesthetic appeal.
• Minimising disruption: Ensuring roadworks are carefully planned and managed to reduce inconvenience for residents and businesses.
• Maintaining network availability: Keeping roads open and traffic moving, with minimal delays due to maintenance or repair work.

When will bidding open?

Invitations to tender are set to be issued on 2 April. With the scale of work involved, the contract is expected to attract interest from leading highways maintenance firms across the UK.

This new contract presents a significant opportunity for the winning contractor to play a vital role in shaping and maintaining Southend-on-Sea’s transport infrastructure for the next decade and beyond.

Potential contractors should keep a close eye on the council’s procurement announcements and prepare to submit their expressions of interest ahead of the April deadline.