Costain, a UK-based construction and civil engineering company, has been awarded a £15m technology contract by the Welsh government and two Highways Agency asset support framework contracts.

The four-year technology contract involves the maintenance of road network communications and tunnel systems across Wales.

It includes routine maintenance and fault repair of a variety of technology systems, such as CCTV cameras, variable messaging signs (VMS), emergency telephones and traffic signals, and covers the strategic routes of the M4 motorway, A55 expressway and Conwy tunnels.

The new contract is expected to begin in early 2013, following a transition and handover period.

In a separate agreement, Costain has also been selected for both north and south lots of the Highways Agency asset support framework.

The framework enables the agency to call on suppliers for larger maintenance schemes and improvement works, up to the value of £15m each.

Costain said that over £750m of work packages are expected to be awarded through the framework over the next three years, although the agency does not have any commitment to spend under the framework.

"The four-year technology contract involves the maintenance of road network communications and tunnel systems across Wales."

The packages will include surfacing, structure and technology-related works, and general improvements across the Highways Agency’s motorway and trunk road network.

Costain is one of the five contractors on each framework and will operate for three years, with scope for a one-year extension.

Costain chief executive Andrew Wyllie said that the new deals from existing customers shows the ongoing success of the implementation of the company’s Choosing Costain strategy and in providing broader services to major customers who make significant investment in the UK’s national infrastructure needs.

Headquartered in Maidenhead, Costain provides consultancy, construction and operational maintenance for infrastructure, environment, and energy and process.