6.2bn contract underway to maintain and develop M25

New arrangements for the operation and maintenance of the M25 have got underway following an award of contract by the Government earlier this year.

Earlier this month, Connect Plus - a private sector consortium of Skanska, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis - took over the operation and maintenance of England's busiest motorway.

The change is part of the £6.2bn, 30-year Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract awarded by the Highways Agency in May. The contract includes two projects now in progress to widen the M25 from three to four lanes between junctions 16 and 23 and junctions 27 to 30. Both sections are due to be completed before the Olympics in 2012.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan officially started the widening work between junctions 16 and 23 in July.

Up to 4,000 new jobs will be created by the widening work and refurbishment of the Hatfield Tunnel on the A1(M) - which began in June - in addition to around another 850 posts on the operation and maintenance part of the contract.

The contract will ensure greater efficiency and best value for the Government's investment by bringing together the three projects and operation and maintenance of the M25 and its surrounding network - including the Dartford River Crossing - under a single supplier for 30 years.