Works include upgrading pavements, barriers and drainage as well as installation of gantries, emergency refuge areas and technical equipment.

The Smart motorway upgrade will start on site next spring and finish within 12 months.

The scheme is one of 10 brought forward under revisions to the roads programme seven months ago ny Highways England.

Duncan Elliott, Managing Director of Galliford Try Highways, said: “We’re delighted for this opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with and commitment to Highways England as a leading and critically important client. Highways is the key growth sector for Galliford Try Infrastructure.”

Galliford Try has recently completed a Smart motorways scheme on the M1 in Northamptonshire and is progressing a similar scheme on the same motorway in the East Midlands.

Earlier this month Galliford Try secured a place on Highways England’s £3.3bn pavements framework for minor works in the north-east.