A £57million contract between the Royal Borough and a new highways company has begun the first weeks of its seven-year term spelling an end to VolkerHighway tenure.

Marlborough Highways now has the contract to maintain and improve the boroughs road network of 375 miles, its 300 bridges, and more.

It is replacing VolkerHighways, which has been in place since 2017.

The new contractor has more than 30 years of experience delivering highway maintenance and public realm projects, and has a growing footprint across London and the South East.

Marlborough Highways won the contract in a competitive tendering process against the incumbent VolkerHighways and a third company, Associated Asphalt Contracting. The award decision was made in September last year.

The contract is valued at up to £8.2million per year, starting an initial seven-year term and the potential to extend for a further seven.

Marlboroughs seven-year contract runs from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2033. As such, the value of the initial contract is £57.4 million.

Marlborough has the option to potentially extend for up to 14 years, which would be until March 31, 2040 putting the contracts upper bound value estimate at £114.8million including VAT.

The company will deliver a full programme of highways maintenance covering the gamut from pothole repair, bridge works, gully cleaning, winter maintenance, emergency call-outs and traffic management.

It is also handling the capital works, which can include carriageway and footway improvements, bridge and structural works and public realm enhancements.

Marlborough claims its approach goes beyond infrastructure by embedding sustainability and social value into every aspect of its work.

The company says it will support community organisations, champion initiatives that create employment opportunities for local people and introduce new apprenticeships.

The contract comes with a strong commitment to the environment', Marlborough added.

From day one, Marlborough intends to deliver the contract in a carbon-neutral way, in line with the Boroughs long-term environmental vision.

This includes the use of low-carbon materials, greener construction methods, biofuel-powered plants and other technologies.

Matthew Revell, the companys managing director, said: This contract award reflects the trust placed in our people, our processes and the consistently high standard of our work.

We are excited to bring our expertise, energy and spirit to the community [and] look forward to helping create a greener, safer and more inclusive borough for everyone.

Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways said: The new contract will help us deliver projects smoothly and maintain a high quality highways network.

[It is also] a carbon neutral service that advances our commitment of becoming fully net zero by 2050, bringing lasting benefits to residents and visitors.