Kier, which has a regional headquarters in Quedgeley, has been awarded a £225m road maintenance contract.

The company, which is currently working on the £460m A417 'missing link' project in Gloucestershire, will deliver core maintenance services across Somerset Council's entire road network for the next eight years, with an opportunity to extend for a further four years.

The contract will begin April 1, 2024, and covers key maintenance works - including road repairs, drainage, verge cutting and winter service, such as gritting and other emergency functions in adverse weather.

Kier will deliver core maintenance across the 4,172-mile road network, delivering general repairs and helping the county's roads to remain resilient to extreme weather. There will be an additional focus on reducing the carbon output of these works, in support of the council's aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.

James Birch, managing director of Kier Transportation's Highways Operations & Maintenance, said: "This announcement marks the start of a long-term, collaborative partnership with Somerset Council. We look forward to delivering an efficient, high-quality service for customers - with a strong, environmental approach and commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we work.

"From April, the new service will unlock valuable career opportunities, including for graduates and apprentices, and we will be working with local supply chain partners to add value to the local economy - providing benefits to residents, road users and businesses in Somerset for years to come."

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and digital, said: "We're really delighted to have Kier Transportation as our new partner maintaining our network. They met all our key criteria and have some exciting proposals about taking the service further in terms of carbon reduction, efficiency and maximising social value for our communities.

"This is a major refresh of our network maintenance services, something we'd not seen for 27 years, so we are committed to building in resilience to climate change, ensuring a safe, serviceable and sustainable network that is fit for purpose for all users and supports the growth of the local economy."