Kier has been appointed to deliver Norfolk County Council’s £700m highways and infrastructure works term services contract.

The contract will start on 1 April 2026 for a period of up to 14 years.  Across the 9,836km network, Kier will provide surfacing, planned maintenance, bridge and structure schemes and maintenance, temporary works design, surface dressing, and cyclical maintenance including drainage cleansing and grass cutting.

Kier will  also support the council’s sustainability initiatives, community engagement and Norfolk’s ambitions for innovation by introducing and embedding new technologies, supporting inclusive growth and promoting active travel.

There will also be opportunities provided for local employment and skills development, including programmes supporting care leavers.

James Birch, managing director for highways at Kier Transportation, said: “This appointment marks the beginning of a hugely important strategic relationship between Kier Transportation and Norfolk County Council. We understand the importance of providing a service that leaves a lasting legacy and is also bold and focused on helping local communities to thrive.

“We will create local job opportunities, support local SMEs and supply chains, and our service will focus on innovation and working collaboratively to provide a safe, reliable and sustainable highways network for the county.”

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said Norfolk County Council invests more than £80m annually to maintain and improve the county’s transport networks.

“I’m proud of the work we do and the results we achieve,” he added. “Norfolk has topped the National Highways and Transport public satisfaction survey for two years running, and our focus on preventative treatment has been recognised nationally as an effective way to keep roads in a good condition.

“So, this is a vital and significant partnership for the county council and, in bidding for the contract, Kier’s commitment to our shared values of quality, innovation, sustainability and delivering social value shone through. I’m looking forward to welcoming them on board and continuing to build on our strong track record in looking after and upgrading our highways.

“I am especially pleased to see that this contract will open doors for young people in Norfolk, including care leavers. This is a fantastic example of how our partnerships can make a real difference for some of our most vulnerable young people.”