BEAR Scotland and Amey have been selected to provide new road maintenance contracts for the north east and south east of Scotland.

The tendering process will see BEAR Scotland continuing with the maintenance of trunk roads in the north east and Amey proposed to take over in the south east. BEAR Scotland will become responsible for overseeing 613 miles of trunk roads, while Amey takes over the South East area that covers 551 miles.

The contracts are expected to be signed in the coming weeks and take effect from August 16 2014.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Scotland’s trunk road network plays a vital part in our economy by allowing the transport of goods and services the length and breadth of the country.

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"We are continuing our investment in the trunk roads, £711.8m in the last financial year, and these contracts will encourage the operating companies to deliver the innovative services that we need to make the most of this.

"The contracts are being awarded following a rigorous assessment and a tendering process that sought best value coupled with high quality delivery.

"Both BEAR Scotland and Amey have submitted strong tenders and we are confident they can build on their previous experience to deliver the services the people and businesses of Scotland deserve.

"The operating companies will be responsible for inspecting the trunk roads in their units to ensure the routes remain safe and well maintained. In addition to major road and bridge maintenance work, they will carry out salting and snow clearing as well as gully cleaning and the repair of motorway lighting and traffic signals.

"I look forward to working with the successful tenderers and seeing them deliver top quality services for people across Scotland."

(IT)