French engineering group Egis has acquired the operations and maintenance contract for the UK’s M40 motorway.

The contract was previously with Carillion, which entered compulsory liquidation in January this year.

Egis was responsible for operations and maintenance of M40 between 1997 and 2007. It will execute the new contract through its newly created venture Egis Road Operation M40.

French engineering group said that it will retain Carillion’s 95 staff.

Part of the European route E05, the M40 motorway serves as one of the key road arteries to the greater north-west region.

“Part of the European route E05, the M40 motorway serves as one of the key road arteries to the greater north-west region.”

In 1997, the original Design Build Finance and Operate contract or DBFO-30 was awarded to UK Highways M40 (formally known as UK Highways), for which Egis served as a partner in the initial years. The contract covers majority of the M40 motorway (J1A-J15).

The acquired operational and maintenance contract, which will run until 2027, involves a 123km section of the M40 from J1A to the intersection of J15 with the A46 near Warwick.

This section comprises several motorways with more than 300 structures.

The core services to be undertaken under the project are network management, cyclical and routine maintenance, safety inspections, accident and emergency response, as well as winter maintenance.

Egis will work closely with UK Highways M40, Highways England, emergency services and other key stakeholders to carry out the tasks.

Egis is also currently involved in the M25 Operations and Maintenance Joint Venture ‘Connect Plus Services’ and acts as a key stakeholder in the management of the concessionaire.