The new-style framework, worth up to £434m, will start in April and covers 10 different specialisms of work split into 15 separate lots.

The framework covers a range of activities that include renewal work to roads and bridges, and improvement schemes on the Highways England road network.

Interserve, Carnell Support Services and Galliford Try feature among the main civils packages.

The framework is part of the Asset Delivery contracts which will see Highways England directly managing both routine maintenance and the delivery of capital renewal and improvement schemes.

This marks a change from previous way of working, bringing the management of key functions in-house and taking greater control of the road network.

The first of these types of contracts began operation in the East Midlands region in July last year.

The new framework contractors will work alongside Kier Highways which has maintenance responsibility in Area 13 and CH2M Costain joint venture has Area 14. Amey OW has the design service contract in both regions.

David Poole, Executive Director for commercial and procurement at Highways England, said: “These contracts demonstrate our commitment to increasing capability and understanding within Highways England and bringing Highways England closer to our customers.

“Collaboration with our supply chain is key to our new way of working and we are looking forward to establishing a successful, long-term relationship with the appointed contractors.”

Highways England will be working with the successful contractors to ensure that they are mobilised and ready to begin delivering key services from 1 April 2017.