Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) in the UK has awarded a seven-year client support term contract for road network management services to the joint venture team of Opus International Consultants and Arup.

The companies will work with the Council to develop, implement and manage the technical strategies and programmes for the highway network.

Opus chief executive and managing director Dr David Prentice said the company has a strong working relationship with HCC and, with both Opus and Arup working for the council on a regular basis, it developed into a natural partnership.

"With austerity measures in place in many markets, the focus on effective management is growing with economic conditions forcing moves towards better asset management, cost saving and a ‘whole of life’ approach," Prentice added.

The two partners have the option to extend the seven-year contract by another five years, while HCC is responsible for the development and implementation of highway asset management in UK.

Arup director Allen Paul said: "This is an exciting opportunity to showcase what we can achieve by working together with HCC and Opus to maximise efficiencies for the benefit of the client and everyone who uses the Hertfordshire road network."

Opus UK director Huw Edwards said: "Clients are now looking for greater added value in the development and management of their infrastructure and we are committed to working in partnerships to bring about service excellence and project success."