Suffolk Highways' new partnership has launched, as Milestone Infrastructure and Suffolk County Council join forces to deliver highways services fit for the future. 

The new contract, which is worth in the region of £800 million - £1 billion, will deliver highway projects and improvements across Suffolk for up to 20 years, including maintaining roads, pavements and rights of way, improving drainage, hedge trimming, construction of new road schemes, snow-clearing and gritting and much more.

Milestone Infrastructure, part of M Group Services, was awarded Suffolk's new highways services contract back in February and since then has been working with Suffolk County Council to mobilise the new contract ahead of it commencing on 1 October. 

When seeking a new highways partner, the county council wanted a keener focus on delivering greater social value, building on the council's commitment to carbon reduction and protecting the environment, using local skills and talent, and giving young people the opportunity to work in the sector.

With this in mind, the new partnership was built around six key contract objectives, which will form the basis for all that Suffolk Highways delivers going forward. These objectives are: 

• Collaboration and Partnership
• Social Value
• Environment and Net Zero Carbon
• Customer Communication and Engagement
• Commercialism and Enterprise
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Paul West and Matt Riches (Picture: Suffolk Highways)

 Matthew Riches, Operations Director for Milestone, said: "Milestone is delighted to have begun its new partnership with Suffolk County Council, which will see us work in collaboration to leave a positive legacy for Suffolk via improved infrastructure and maintaining the safest possible network for all users, all year round.

"We are also committed to creating jobs for local people, using local supply chain partners to strengthen the Suffolk economy, and providing employment opportunities to hard-to-reach groups, such as care leavers and ex-military veterans. 

"In addition, we will support the council to meet its continued commitment to enhancing biodiversity and achieving net-zero, including the use of HVO fuel, and dedicated electric vehicles in our fleet.

"Milestone takes great pride in supporting the local community through a range of initiatives, and we look forward to engaging with Suffolk's residents and businesses as we deliver highways services fit for the future that bring a wealth of benefits for all."

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: "I am delighted to welcome our new highways partner, Milestone, to Suffolk. There has been a great deal of work taking place over the past few months to ensure we were ready to start the new partnership on 1 October whilst continuing to deliver services to our residents.

"As highways services tend to impact all those living, working or travelling in our county; it was essential we found the best possible fit for what was needed here in Suffolk. 

"Since choosing Milestone as our new delivery partner and getting to know their business and how they operate on other highways partnerships across the country, I am confident they will provide excellent services and value for our residents.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in successfully procuring, awarding and mobilising this new contract, whilst continuing to keep our county safe and moving."