Kier, a UK-based construction company, has secured a £40m contract from Highways England (HE) for offering design services to the South West region for a period of five years.

The contract will commence from 1 July this year, Kier will be responsible for developing technical designs, as well as providing supporting work for capital projects, from initial scheme feasibility phase through to as-build phase.

Kier Highways executive director Dave Wright said: “This award is testament to the expertise we’ve provided through our design services work in Area 7 and we are pleased to be continuing to support Highways England in its new approach.

"Kier will be responsible for developing technical designs, as well as providing supporting work for capital projects, from initial scheme feasibility phase through to as-build phase."

“Collaboration for both clients and suppliers is at the heart of our business and this new approach allows us to continue our successful relationship with Highways England.”

The South West region comprises of Areas 1 and 2, and is reported to be one of the largest areas operated by HE that covers 11% of 230 miles road network from Cheltenham to Penzance.

Kiers will be providing its service to HE under Asset Delivery Model, which it has been delivering in the East Midlands on Area 7 since July last year.

Since 2006, Kier has been working with HE as service provider for the Area 1, and this latest contract further strengthens its relationship with the highway agency.