Jacobs Engineering Group has secured a contract from UK-based Highways England to develop potential solutions aimed at improving road transport network around the motorways north-west of Manchester.

The contract forms part of the Manchester North-West Quadrant project, which aims to enhance the capacity of east-west road connections.

These connections link the city regions of Liverpool and Manchester across the Pennines to Leeds, Sheffield and also to the North East.

The project is also expected to improve local and regional economy.

Jacobs Buildings and Infrastructure Europe senior vice-president and general manager Donald Morrison said: “The Manchester North-West Quadrant project is a critical part of the northern transport network and has the potential to impact local, regional, national and international transport movements.

“As a leading provider of transportation infrastructure solutions, we look forward to delivering practical options that can be taken forward for public consultation.”

“As a leading provider of transportation infrastructure solutions, we look forward to delivering practical options that can be taken forward for public consultation.”

Under the contract, Jacobs, along with its supply chain partners, will identify potential route options that can boost the network’s capacity over a term period of two years.

The scope of the contract encompasses engineering, technological, environmental, economic and traffic modelling analysis, as well as stakeholder management and design project management.

Jacobs, which focuses on delivering major transportation projects around the world, has also been associated with Highways England’s National Infrastructure and Regional Investment Programs and its Smart Motorways Program.

In fiscal year 2017, the company reported a $15bn revenue in combination with CH2M revenues.