Modified Kier highways contract extended for one more year

Surface dressing

Shropshire Council has extended Kier’s highways contract for an additional year, taking it to April 2027. Under the modified contract, Kier will be supporting Shropshire Council to achieve its mixed economy ambitions.

The decision reflects Kier’s ongoing support for the council’s plans to improve highways services and develop a more local, flexible approach to delivery. Since the local elections in May 2025 the council has been focused on making practical improvements to how highways services are run.

Under the extended contract, more services will move back under the council’s direct control. This will also support greater use of local contractors and closer working with town and parish councils. Kier will continue to deliver a wide range of highways work across Shropshire with particular emphasis on resurfacing and surface dressing which is the best way to stop potholes appearing.

David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and environment, said:

“Highways are one of our top priorities. We’ve inherited a network that hasn’t had the investment it needed for many years. New ways of working, alongside increased funding over the next four years, will give us more time to plan ahead and invest in preventative maintenance – helping to reduce issues like potholes forming in the future.”

Andy Wilde, Shropshire Council’s service director for infrastructure, said:

“This one year extension gives us stability and continuity while we continue to develop our mixed economy approach. It means the council has much greater control over day-to-day reactive services, while Kier focuses on the areas where it offers the best value and expertise.”

Peter Ingram, contract director for Local Authorities at Kier Infrastructure said:

“We’re delighted to have been awarded another one-year extension to continue delivering highway maintenance in Shropshire, which will take the current contract through to the end of March 2027. We look forward to working together to hopefully achieve a further one-year extension until March 2028.”

Ian McLellan, general manager at Kier Infrastructure said:

“This reflects our strong partnership with Shropshire Council and the excellent work our teams continue to deliver across the county. We look forward to delivering further enhancements that will have a lasting impact on local communities.”