Norfolk County Council has awarded a major new highways maintenance and construction contract to Kier, in a deal designed to improve local roads and boost employment and skills across the county.
The long-term partnership will see Kier take responsibility for maintaining and upgrading Norfolk’s 6,000 miles of roads, as well as bridges, drainage systems, and new transport infrastructure. The contract, which begins in April 2026, could run for up to 14 years.
Under the agreement, Kier will deliver a wide-ranging programme of work including resurfacing, surface dressing, bridge maintenance, and new road construction. The company will also invest in its existing site in Wymondham, modernising facilities to improve energy efficiency and support the use of sustainable construction methods and materials.
A key feature of Kier’s approach is its commitment to supporting local employment and developing new skills in the construction sector. The company has pledged to employ at least 15 apprentices at any one time, offering training, recognised qualifications, and long-term career opportunities for young people across Norfolk.
Kier will also introduce a new 10-week programme aimed at young people in care and care leavers. The initiative will offer work experience, employability training, and hands-on learning, supported by Kier’s local supply chain partners.
Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said the contract represented a major step forward in maintaining and improving the county’s transport network.
“Each year we invest over £80 million in our roads, and Norfolk has topped the National Highways and Transport public satisfaction survey for two years running,” he said. “Our preventative maintenance strategy is recognised nationally as an effective way to keep roads in good condition.”
He added that Kier’s bid aligned strongly with the council’s priorities. “Kier’s commitment to quality, innovation, sustainability and social value shone through. I’m particularly pleased that this partnership will open doors for young people, including care leavers. It’s a fantastic example of how our contracts can make a real difference for some of Norfolk’s most vulnerable young people.”
James Birch, Managing Director for Highways at Kier Transportation, described the appointment as the start of an important strategic partnership.
“We understand the importance of delivering a service that not only maintains infrastructure but also supports communities,” he said. “We’ll create local job opportunities, work with small and medium-sized businesses, and help build a safe, reliable and sustainable highways network for Norfolk.”
Kier Group, one of the UK’s largest construction and infrastructure companies, has a long history in civil engineering and public works. Founded in 1928 in Stoke-on-Trent, it began as a specialist concrete engineering firm before expanding into large-scale contracting and infrastructure projects.
The company became known for pioneering work in reinforced concrete design, including the construction of Highpoint I in Highgate, London — a landmark 1930s apartment building praised by architects such as Le Corbusier. Over the decades, Kier has contributed to major UK projects such as the M2 Medway Bridge, the North Terminal at Gatwick Airport, and parts of the High Speed 1 rail line.
Kier has also had a turbulent corporate history. After a series of financial challenges and restructuring in the late 2010s, the company returned to profitability in 2021 and has since reduced its debt while expanding its operations. Recent financial reports show Kier’s revenue surpassing £4 billion for the first time since 2018, with pre-tax profits of more than £78 million.
The firm’s highways division, Kier Transportation, currently operates several large regional contracts across the UK, including maintenance of strategic road networks in the Midlands, Wales and Scotland.
For Norfolk, the new contract marks one of the county’s largest infrastructure agreements in recent years. It continues a longstanding commitment to maintaining high standards in public infrastructure while embedding social and environmental value in the delivery process.
The focus on sustainability will see Kier adopt low-carbon construction techniques and materials where possible, aligning with the council’s environmental objectives. The Wymondham facility upgrade will also contribute to reduced emissions and energy use, supporting Norfolk’s wider climate action goals.
The appointment of Kier follows a detailed procurement process and extensive evaluation by Norfolk County Council. The council said the decision was based on Kier’s strong technical expertise, value for money, and proven record in delivering complex infrastructure contracts nationwide.
Kier is expected to take over operations from the current provider on 1 April 2026, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service for residents. The company’s investment in training and innovation is anticipated to generate long-term benefits for both local communities and the regional economy.
