Highways England (HE) has contracted Jacobs Engineering Group (Jacobs) to assist with its Oxford to Cambridge Expressway project, with a focus on developing the corridor between the M1 and M40 motorways.

The expressway project covers nearly 150km and is expected to improve connectivity across England’s economic heartland.

The project is expected to support the development of strategic growth sites between the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, along with Milton Keynes’ high-tech businesses.

For a period of two years, Jacobs and its supply chain partners will identify the most viable corridor and routes to improve east-west transport connectivity.

"This is undoubtedly a critical transport link in the national infrastructure to support the continued economic development of one of the most significant growth corridors in the UK."

The contract also covers engineering assessments, as well as stakeholder and project management to move the project through options development.

Jacobs Buildings and Infrastructure senior vice-president Bob Duff said: “This is undoubtedly a critical transport link in the national infrastructure to support the continued economic development of one of the most significant growth corridors in the UK.

“Having worked closely with Highways England on the first section of the proposed expressway program, we look forward to integrating this experience with our proven transportation capabilities to deliver practical, strategic solutions.”

Jacobs is involved in various transportation projects in the UK, including Highways England’s Regional Investment Programme and Smart Motorways Programme.