Two new panels of contractors will replace the previous preferred firms – Tarmac, Osborne, Eurovia and Jackson – on the Eastern Highways Framework 2.

This time the councils have signed up local civil engineering contractors for small works up to £1.5m and six majors for packages of £1m-£20m in a bid to save the local tax payer millions of pounds over the next four years.

Cllr Roger Hickford, Chairman of Highways and Community Infrastructure Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The first framework, which was set up in 2012, used four contractors to deliver schemes up to the value of £10m.

“This framework made some significant savings for all the councils involved so the new framework, which is split between work up to £1.5m and contracts valued from £1m to £20m, will save considerable funds and time for us all.

“It is innovative thinking and partnership working like this which demonstrates how local authorities are collaborating together in adapting to the challenges we face.”

Typical schemes will involve highway improvements, highway infrastructure works, including bridges, subways, culverts and retaining walls, public realm works for town centre enhancements, drainage improvements, canal works and other infrastructure works such as waste management facilities.

 The members of the Eastern Highways Alliance are: Bedford Borough Council Cambridgeshire County Council, , Central Bedfordshire Council, Essex County Council, Hertfordshire County Council,  Luton Borough Council, Norfolk County Council , Peterborough City Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council,  Suffolk County Council and Thurrock Council.