Under the agreement, Kier will provide a comprehensive range of services including surfacing, planned maintenance, bridge and structure schemes, temporary works design, surface dressing, and cyclical maintenance, covering drainage cleansing and grass cutting.
The contract also supports the council’s sustainability initiatives, community engagement, and innovation goals, including the adoption of new technologies, promotion of active travel, and encouragement of inclusive growth. Kier emphasized that the contract will create local employment and skills development opportunities, as well as programmes for care leavers.
James Birch, managing director for Highways at Kier Transportation, said: “This appointment marks the beginning of a hugely important strategic relationship between Kier Transportation and Norfolk County Council. We will create local job opportunities, support local SMEs and supply chains, and our service will focus on innovation and working collaboratively to provide a safe, reliable and sustainable highways network for the county.”
Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport at Norfolk County Council, added: “Each year we invest over £80 million to maintain and improve Norfolk's transport networks, and I'm proud of the work we do and the results we achieve. Norfolk has topped the National Highways and Transport public satisfaction survey for two years running, and our focus on preventative treatment has been recognised nationally as an effective way to keep roads in a good condition. I am especially pleased to see that this contract will open doors for young people in Norfolk, including care leavers. This is a fantastic example of how our partnerships can make a real difference for some of our most vulnerable young people.”
The contract represents a strategic commitment to long-term infrastructure resilience, while also integrating social and environmental priorities. Through this partnership, Norfolk County Council and Kier aim to deliver a modern, safe, and sustainable road network, strengthen local supply chains, and provide opportunities for community development and workforce growth.
By embedding innovation, preventive maintenance, and active travel promotion, the programme aligns with national best practices in highways management and supports Norfolk’s goal of maintaining its high public satisfaction scores. The project also reinforces the county’s focus on inclusive economic growth, offering training, employment pathways, and support programmes for young residents, contributing to broader community well-being and social sustainability.
This long-term arrangement underlines Norfolk’s commitment to future-proofed infrastructure, integrating both technical excellence and community impact, while ensuring that the county’s transport networks remain reliable, resilient, and environmentally conscious for years to come.
