Previously the council used a mix of both in-house teams and contractors to upkeep roads in the county, spending around £40m a year.

The council will hold a bidders day on 16 February in Ipswich to set out plans for the new contract, which will start up in April next year.

The job is expected to be worth £500m over 10 years, although the council has not yet firmly committed to the length of the new term arrangement.

Also it may place orders under the contract on behalf of other local authorities including Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

Council procurement chief expect to invite tender submissions in march after giving contractors until 27 February to submit PQQs.

Contact: highways.procurement@suffolk.gov.uk to register your interest in attending. Brian Foster tel: 01473265189.