Colas commences the mobilisation of its Area 9 Contract.
Following the announcement of Colas winning the Area 9 contract to manage the area on behalf of National Highways with responsibility for carrying out routine maintenance, repairing defects, responding to emergency incidents and providing severe weather services on major highway arteries including the M6, M42 and M54, early stage mobilisation on the contract has begun as the new tenants begin the task of replacing previous incumbents Kier.
Posting on social media on 22nd February Shine Salur, Lead Asset Manager for Colas said,
"Great start for COLAS to work on Area 9 with National Highways.
"My first visit to Area9 depots as Ops/ Network Manager was pleasant as part of Colas Ltd mobilisation programme . Thanks to warm welcome and collaboration from National Highways team as well as KIER HIGHWAYS LIMITED personnel ... It will be a great journey where project will be first..."
The contract, which starts on 1 July 2022 and is set to run for eight years, extends to Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and part of North Gloucestershire.
Speaking after the award of the contract Regional operations director for the Midlands, Andrew Jinks, said:
'By working more closely with our supply chain partners on routine maintenance, repairs and incident response, we’re able to work more effectively, identifying innovative ways of working and provide the best possible quality of service to road users.
'We’re delighted that Colas has been awarded this contract and look forward to working with them, driving improvement and strengthening our regional expertise.'
The area Colas will be maintaining covers around 2,300 miles (3,760 km) of motorway and trunk roads.
Carl Fergusson, CEO Colas Ltd, said: 'Everyone at Colas is delighted that we are continuing to build on our successful relationship with National Highways with this new, significant, contract award.
'We are looking forward to establishing a highly effective collaborative working relationship in Area 9 with National Highways and our supply chain partners as part of the contract, and in working towards the common goal of reducing carbon emissions to achieve net zero.'