The framework is split into nine lots, with four of the suppliers chosen classified as SMEs. These firms will account for £100m (over 8%) of the total anticipated spend.

The new framework places an increased focus on carbon reduction, with bidding organisations committed to annual carbon reduction activities within the timeframe of the contract.

As part of the green drive, National Highways has designated warm mix asphalt as the contract’s default material of choice. This delivers up to 15% carbon savings per tonne in comparison to the previous default pavement material. It is also more durable and quicker to lay, meaning roads can be reopened to traffic faster.

Duncan Smith, Executive Director of Operations at National Highways, said: “Having greatly reduced turnover requirements to encourage applications from SMEs, we are delighted that a number of these lots have been awarded to comparatively smaller organisations.

“We’re also happy to be working with some organisations that we haven’t worked with previously, and we look forward to building these new relationships.

“These contracts will also support our Net Zero Carbon Plan, which underpins all of our work now and in future years.”

National Highways is committed to cutting carbon emissions through construction and maintenance to net-zero by 2040 as part of its long-term approach to the environment.

The new framework will support National Highways into the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS 3). The current strategy, RIS 2, ends in 2025.