Wiltshire Council has established a specialist highways framework with a maximum value of £18m including VAT. The framework covers nine areas of work, running initially from 1 October 2026 to 31 August 2029, with extensions possible until August 2031.
Nine areas, nine lots
The framework includes nine distinct lots: road retexturing, grouted macadam treatments, in-situ recycling of carriageways and footways, specialist surface treatments, laboratory and site materials testing, minor civil engineering and other works, asphalt preservation and rejuvenation, crack-sealing repairs, and traffic-data collection.
These lots cover a range of activities that go beyond conventional resurfacing and patching. Some focus on preserving existing carriageways through treatments like retexturing, asphalt rejuvenation and crack sealing. Others provide access to civil engineering and testing services that support Wiltshire’s broader highways maintenance programme.
How the framework works
The council has appointed a group of suppliers including Ferns Surfacing, Kiely Bros, Colas, Luddon Construction, WJ South West, Miles Macadam, Stabilised Pavements, Thermal Road Repairs and Alun Griffiths, alongside various specialist contractors and testing firms. Individual packages will be commissioned on an “as instructed” basis as and when required.
Wiltshire emphasises that the framework creates a route to market rather than a guarantee of work. Contractors named on the framework do not have a confirmed turnover or guaranteed volume of work. Each task still requires a specific brief and commissioning.
Where it fits in UK highways maintenance
Not all road condition issues are relieved by resurfacing. Treatments like retexturing restore skid resistance, while asphalt rejuvenation slows deterioration. In-situ recycling can reuse existing materials during carriageway rebuilds, reducing waste and cost.
Minor civil engineering tasks included in the framework cover bridge repairs and other small construction projects linked to highways infrastructure. The traffic-data lot provides manual, automated and video surveys across carriageways, footways, footpaths, bridleways and byways to assist in planning and maintenance decisions.
What it changes for contractors and the council
The framework simplifies procurement for specialist highways works that need equipment, technical expertise or testing beyond routine maintenance. It enables Wiltshire to call on approved suppliers without repeating full tenders for each job.
For contractors, gaining a place on the framework opens potential access to a range of specialist work but does not guarantee project awards. The framework gives the council flexibility to respond to varied maintenance needs efficiently.
This framework reflects a broader trend in UK highways delivery, where many on-road activities follow early commercial decisions made through procurement. The framework forms a pool of expertise Wiltshire can draw on as required, aiding efficient and targeted maintenance over the coming five years.
