The borough of Hounslow in London, the UK, has selected the Vinci / Ringway joint venture (JV) as the preferred bidder for its £800m PFI highways maintenance contract.

Under the 25-year contract, the Vinci / Ringway JV will a give a makeover to the borough’s 259 miles of road and 458 miles of pavements. The contract involves upgrading roads and pavements, street lighting, bridges, signs and street furniture, drainage, winter gritting, street cleansing, removal of graffiti and fly tipping enforcement action.

London Borough of Hounslow council cabinet member for the environment Cllr Corinna Smart said the contract will change the face of the area.

"It will be a massive boost for residents, businesses and visitors," Smart said.

"We know our roads and pavements are in poor condition, and to get them up to the standard we want would cost more money than we could ever afford. This PFI provides an affordable way of tackling the problem and getting shot of the grot."

In April 2012, the borough will submit a business case to the UK Department for Transport (DfT) for approval of the project. After approval from the DfT, the contract is expected to be signed and preparations will start in July to start work on the project in January 2013.

DfT will provide £14m a year for 25 years, while any remaining money will be contributed by the borough of Hounslow. As part of the agreement, 200 London Borough of Hounslow staff will be transferred across to Vinci / Ringway through TUPE arrangements. Vinci / Ringway JV beat Balfour Beatty to be selected as preferred bidder.