The deal is worth around £20m a year, and with two possible extensions of four years each, the maximum term of up to 15 years could be worth £300m.

Colas will take over from incumbent contractor Ringway on 1 April 2023. It will be supported on the contract by Waterman which will deliver the professional services, and Bouygues Energies & Services delivering street lighting and traffic signals.

The scope covers maintenance of the 2,300km of public highways as well as structures including the historic Chester City Walls, traffic signals, street lighting and professional services.

Colas will also upgrade local highways depots early in 2023, including better welfare facilities for staff, new electric vehicle charging points, and in the main depot, a new local recycling facility. The depot will be carbon neutral by 2025.

In addition to the depot improvements, drawing on experience from the National Highways Area 9 contract which began in July 2022, Colas will deliver a fleet solution that is 100% alternative fuel and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles.

David Ogden, executive director responsible for Asset and Maintenance solutions at Colas added: “The entire team at Colas are thrilled to be working in a collaborative approach across the contract with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

“In particular a new social value steering group will see us work jointly with the Council and local stakeholders to create a strategy and address emerging challenges which will support local people and create opportunities for disadvantaged communities.”