The announcement came as the contractor confirmed former Bovis Lend Lease boss Nick Pollard as its new CEO.

Pollard joins Balfour next week as the review of its regional operations continues in the wake of problem contracts and a recent profit warning.

Balfour is closing its office in Dartford – home of main rival Laing O’Rourke – due to “a combination of insufficient construction activity and a disproportionately high cost base.”

Two offices in Rochdale and Doncaster will also close.

The three offices turned over £120m between them last year and each employ between 50-90 people.

Balfour said: “We are currently undertaking consultation processes at three office locations – Dartford, Rochdale and Doncaster – each employing between 50 – 90 people.

“It is too early to confirm the total number of redundancies that could be affected should we go ahead with these proposals.

“During this process, Balfour Beatty will explore all available options for the redeployment of employees across the regional business and the wider Balfour Beatty Group.”

Balfour added: “In the South West we are actively addressing specific operational issues across a handful of projects.”

New CEO Pollard has 30 years industry experience and “direct hands-on experience of leading performance turnaround in construction businesses and major projects.”

He left Lend Lease in late 2010.

Andrew McNaughton, Group CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to the team.  He has strong operational experience across our industry with existing relationships with many of our key customers.

“Nick’s focus on enhancing performance in mainstream construction, in the UK as well as overseas, combined with his advisory roles for investors and government will be invaluable in bringing fresh ideas to the CSUK business and broaden the skills of the senior management team.”

Pollard said: “Balfour Beatty is a great company and a strong brand.  I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that trading successfully through tough market conditions always brings to construction companies.

“It will be a privilege to lead that team and help it build a better and stronger business. ”