Swindon Borough Council has appointed Atkins to help deliver the borough’s leading highway infrastructure projects.
Atkins will provide support for the full range of services delivered by the Council’s Highways and Transport team for the next three years, with the option to extend to a fourth.
The contract will see Atkins undertake design work ranging from small scale safety schemes to major new infrastructure, transport planning and modelling, as well as continuing professional development training.
Atkins will play a leading role in developing the transport plans for the New Eastern Villages with a planning application due for the Southern Connector Road next Easter. Atkins is already working with the Council to optimise the use of rapid transit and bus corridors to improve connectivity in Wichelstowe and the town centre.
The move will replace the previous supplier C2HM Hill, who oversaw the preparation work for a range of the Council’s highway schemes over the last six years.
Cllr Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport, said: “We have a five-year plan to improve Swindon’s roads and keep the town moving. The Council needs an engineering partner who can provide the skills and expertise to ensure successful delivery, and Atkins is the right choice.
“Atkins, under the new contract, will bring a wealth of experience and new skills to the Council’s Highways team allowing the Council to develop its internal capacity, improve training for existing staff and should save taxpayers at least a million pounds in reduced consultancy fees compared to the previous supplier. It is a good deal for taxpayers.”
Philip Hoare, Managing Director of transportation at Atkins, says, “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with Swindon Borough Council to deliver its five-year plan. We recognise the value of our partnership with the South West and are looking forward to supporting Swindon’s vision to create an effective transport network that enables regional, economic and social development.”