April 2008 marked a real change in the way that Northamptonshire’s roads are managed with the new eight year County Council highway services contract going live.
Everyone is acutely aware that Northamptonshire’s roads need total dedication of time and effort, and working on behalf of the county council MGWSP are delighted to be able to invest in something that people really value.
A key aim will be to address the real day to day problems people face with uneven roads and potholes rather than expenditure on major projects. By working closely with councillors and using local knowledge this contract will mean that that budget is used where it is most needed. MGWSP will work in partnership with the community, businesses and other public authorities to ensure the programmes are successful and make a real difference to people’s lives.
It is certainly impossible to revitalise the entire roadway network all at once. However the objective is to continue moving it in the right direction with minimum disruption, while simultaneously increasing the volume of roadway repairs and improvements.
There is a significant backlog that needs addressing and we hope our approach will do just that, We will provide both ends of service from design to delivery. We think you will see a different approach in the proportion of works we do and the improvements in the maintenance that we deliver.
This new contract comes at a time when the redevelopment and regeneration of Northamptonshire is top of the agenda and visible throughout the county. With the county recognised as a prime location for growth and investment from both the public and private sector, the maintenance of the system is of real importance. A great highway network will work hand in hand with plans to encourage the development of existing new industry and commerce in the county and will be needed to cope with the expected growth in population.
Under the long-term contract, which includes the provision of corporate services, consultancy and operational delivery, MGWSP Northamptonshire Highways are responsible for maintaining more than 4,000km of roads across Northamptonshire. The contract has an approximate value of £500 million over the next eight years, with a potential four year extension.
