The contract formerly known as Areas 6 & 8 starts in October and could be worth up to £420m over the next 15 years.

Work will cover the maintenance of Highways England’s strategic network worth around £28m per year.

The Area includes Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Central Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Peterborough and Milton Keynes.

The Maintenance and Response Contract will cover routine, reactive and cyclic maintenance, winter service and incident response.

Kier is currently main contractor on Areas 6 & 8 having taken over from Amey with a two-year deal in 2017.

The contract has been let under Highways England’s asset delivery model which has received a lukewarm reception from contractors.

Martin Fellows, Highways England Regional Operations Director for the East of England, said: “This innovative contract is part of a brand new way of managing the East of England’s busiest roads.

“We know that how we maintain our roads and respond to incidents are extremely important issues for drivers.

“With this contract, we will be working more directly with our supply chain colleagues who carry out these activities, driving improvement and strengthening our regional expertise.

“Together with Ringway we will work more effectively, identify innovative ways of working and provide the best possible quality of service to our customers.”

Mike Notman, Ringway Managing Director, said: “This is a wonderful result, and great news for all our people.

“The East Region network is a diverse, highly trafficked network and Ringway’s existing presence, relationships and expertise in the area will prove invaluable to those travelling and working in this part of the country.

“We look forward to working with Highways England, and our partners, to deliver these important services and keep this part of the strategic road network running.”