Tarmac has been awarded a major new highways maintenance contract extension for a key section of the A1(M) between Darrington and Dishforth.

First appointed to the scheme in 2011, the new nine-year agreement, which extends the existing contract until 2028, will see the company’s Highway Services business continue to operate and maintain the vital section of the motorway in Yorkshire that is managed by Road Management Services (Darrington) Limited.

The contract will involve Tarmac continuing to deliver services including maintaining and resurfacing the highway, as well as regular inspections, maintenance of bridges, pavements, drainage, motorway communications and environmental works such as grass cutting and landscaping.

The company will also be responsible for a comprehensive winter maintenance programme, the provision of 24-hour emergency response teams and reactive traffic management services.

Peter Hyde, director of Tarmac Highway Services, said: “Over the past eight years we’ve developed a very strong and truly collaborative delivery model with RMS and Highways England. Through this approach and our commitment to continual improvement, we’ve been able to deliver cost-effective, first-class highways and maintenance services.

“We’re confident that our critical work on this stretch of motorway between Darrington and Dishforth will continue to cut congestion and drive efficiencies with effective highways stewardship.”

Alistair Snart, operations director, RMS, said: “RMS has enjoyed a strong, collaborative relationship with Tarmac since 2011. This relationship is one built on mutual trust and respect, ensuring maximum value and efficiency are delivered for the project, whilst keeping safety as the number one priority. As such, RMS are delighted to have recently agreed to extend this relationship by a further nine years, up to 2028.”

The A1(M) motorway through Yorkshire forms part of a strategic link in the national network between Scotland, the north east and the south of England.