Graham and Sisk secure places on National Highways’ £1bn concrete roads reconstruction framework

Graham and John Sisk & Son have secured places on National Highways’ £1 billion Legacy Concrete Roads Reconstruction framework, joining Kier in delivering a major programme to rebuild ageing sections of England’s motorway and trunk road network.

The framework, which will run across Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3) and the start of RIS4, represents a significant push to modernise “legacy” concrete roads built largely during the 1960s and 1970s.

National Highways has identified around 400 miles of its Strategic Road Network – approximately 4% – as concrete carriageway. These routes are concentrated primarily in eastern parts of England, including East Anglia, Yorkshire, the North East and the South East, and are among the most maintenance-intensive sections of the network.

Unlike the previous £400m five-year framework, which focused mainly on extending pavement life through repairs, the new programme will prioritise full reconstruction. The initiative will involve removing ageing concrete slabs and replacing them with modern, quieter road surfaces designed to improve durability and driving comfort.

The scope of works includes demolition of existing pavements, full reconstruction of carriageways, installation of new road furniture and markings, and upgrades to hardened central reserves. Contractors will also provide temporary traffic management and fulfil the roles of principal designer and principal contractor under CDM 2015 regulations.

Sustainability will also play a key role in delivery, with a strong emphasis on recycling and reusing materials removed from the existing carriageways, alongside detailed carbon reporting requirements.

Alan Rodger, Managing Director of Sisk Infrastructure, said: “We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with National Highways and to working with our new framework partners and local supply chain to deliver this next programme of improvements.”

Nick Knorr, Head of the National Concrete Roads Programme at National Highways, added: “By replacing ageing concrete roads with modern designs, we’re ensuring smoother, quieter and more resilient routes for millions of people.

“Building on the success of recent reconstruction schemes, this next phase will be delivered in partnership with our supply chain, helping us bring lasting improvements to communities and businesses across England.”

Under the outgoing framework, Morgan Sindall and Sisk delivered major reconstruction projects, while VolkerFitzpatrick, Colas, Dyer & Butler and Tarmac carried out lifecycle extension works across the network.