Roads track record helps win contract

A $40 million, five-year contract to maintain all of Timaru District’s roads has been awarded to incumbent contractor Fulton Hogan.

The council awarded its road network operations and maintenance contract for 2021-2026 to the company, which scored the highest on the quality attributes, and had the lowest tender price.

The three tenders ranged from about $40m to $50m.

The contract includes maintenance and operation of the 1723km Timaru District road network, footpath maintenance and renewals, pavement rehabilitation and minor capital improvement works.

Council land transport manager Susannah Ratahi said that when specifying the contract, the council was looking for a supplier who could help it deliver more than business as usual.

‘‘Innovating and continually developing our approach to road maintenance is key to ensuring we best meet the needs of our community, meet the increasing demands on our road network, and deliver our ratepayers better value for money.

‘‘The calibre of all the tenders received for the contract were of an

Brett King Fulton Hogan

incredibly high standard. Fulton Hogan’s local track record and commitment to innovation and development in areas such as road safety and performance management were seen as particular strengths by the tender evaluation panel.’’

Brett King, Fulton Hogan’s executive divisional manager for the Central South Island to West Coast, said that the team had closely worked with the council for more than 12 years.

‘‘With more than 90 staff servicing the Timaru District, we are committed to being part of the community for the next five years and beyond, and are looking forward to the next stage of a fully collaborative partnership with Timaru District Council.’’

The contract was developed in collaboration with Waimate District Council. A Waimate spokesman said there was extensive collaboration between the district councils on developing this contract.

‘‘The councils went to market with similar documentation and going forward it will mean they have a similar framework being applied to the management and supervision of their road maintenance contacts,’’ he said.

The Waimate District Council would release the details of its roading maintenance contract next week.

‘‘With more than 90 staff servicing the Timaru District, we are committed to being part of the community for the next five years and beyond.’’