The bidding process is expected to get underway on 13 October using new style framework agreements, which are being modified to promote innovation and encourage sustainable road maintenance.
The two frameworks are estimated to be worth between £130 and £160m and support around 1,250 jobs across Scotland.
Both deals will run for 5 years commencing in 2012, with options to extend for a further 5 years at the discretion of the Scottish Ministers.
Transport Scotland intends to hold a supplier information day to provide further information about the 4th Generation contracts. The provisional date for this event is 12.10.2010 which will be held in the Thistle Glasgow Hotel, commencing at 9.30am.
The current contracts for the north west managed by Balfour Beatty’s Scotland Transerv group and south west run by Amey will be extended from March 2011 to May 2012.
Both extensions allow Transport Scotland to start the arrangements to procure the next generation of contracts due to start in June 2012.
Bear (Scotland), the Ringway, Babtie Jacobs, Ennstone joint venture, must wait until next year to hear about the future of its north and south east area agreements, which will be retendered at a later date.
South West Unit.
The total route length in the South West Unit is 678 km and comprises the following trunk roads:
- M9/A9 (Edinburgh – Stirling to Thurso); A82 (Dalnotter to Inverness);
- A83 (Tarbet to Lochgilphead to Kennacraig); A84/A85 (Stirling to Crianlarich);
- A85 (Perth to Lochearnhead);
- A85 (Tyndrum to Oban); A86 (Spean Bridge to Kingussie);
- A87 (Invergarry to Kyle of Lochalsh to Borve to Uig);
- A99 (Latheron to Wick); A828 (Connel to South Ballachulish);
- A830 (Fort William to Mallaig);
- A835/A893 (Tore to Ullapool);
- A887 (Invermoriston to Moriston Bridge);
- A889 (Dalwhinnie to Laggan Bridge).
North West Unit
The total route length in the North West Unit is approximately 1306 km, comprising the following trunk roads:
