Jacobs expands National Highways portfolio with trio of major contract wins

Jacobs has strengthened its long-standing relationship with National Highways after securing three new commissions that will see the engineering consultancy play a key role in maintaining and improving some of England's most important motorway infrastructure.

The latest appointments cover major bridge and viaduct design work, together with a place on a strategic project management framework that will support the delivery of transport improvements across the strategic road network over the coming years.

Among the new commissions are two projects awarded through the National Highways Technical Assurance and Asset Management Framework.

The first will see Jacobs undertake Stages 3 to 5 detailed design for the renewal of the M32 Eastville Viaduct in Bristol. The structure forms a critical gateway into the city, carrying commuters and freight traffic between Bristol and the M4 and M5 motorways. The detailed design work will support future maintenance and renewal activity aimed at extending the viaduct's operational life while helping to minimise disruption caused by unexpected repairs.

Jacobs has also been commissioned to deliver Stages 1 and 2 preliminary design for the M5 Wynhol Viaduct. The project will evaluate the condition of the structure and develop sustainable engineering solutions to enhance the resilience of one of the UK's busiest north-south freight corridors.

Alongside the two asset renewal projects, the company has secured a place on National Highways' Construction and Professional Management Services Lot 2 – Project Management Services Framework.

Working as lead consultant within a multidisciplinary team, Jacobs is expected to oversee the delivery of at least 15 infrastructure schemes during the framework's initial three-year term, with options to extend the agreement by a further two years.

Richard Sanderson, Executive Vice President at Jacobs, said the latest awards reflected the company's continued partnership with National Highways.

"These three strategic awards build on Jacobs' strong track record with National Highways. Together, we are focused on delivering resilient, future-ready infrastructure that keeps people and goods moving safely and reliably across the U.K."

The new contracts further expand Jacobs' involvement in National Highways' investment programme, complementing its work on major schemes including the Lower Thames Crossing, one of the country's most significant transport infrastructure projects.

Jacobs employs more than 6,000 people across the UK, operating from 15 principal offices and more than 35 additional locations. The business works with central government, local authorities and private sector clients to deliver infrastructure, transport, environmental and energy programmes designed to improve resilience, stimulate economic growth and generate long-term social value.