BAM Nuttall’s ground engineering division, BAM Ritchies, has been appointed as one of seven contractors to undertake ground investigations for a new £91m framework on behalf of Highways England.

The four-year framework will see BAM delivering ground investigation and condition assessments for a variety of highway civil engineering projects. The framework, which is the first of its kind for Highways England, is split into four regions across England. BAM is one of three contractors covering the south of the country.

The framework appointment is the first time BAM has featured on the Highways England roster for ground investigation works. It follows major successes in delivery of ground investigation works for the M54/M6 Link Road, A38 Derby Improvements and ongoing works at Lower Thames Crossing through LinkConnex and AECOM respectively.

Kenneth Henderson, divisional director for BAM Nuttall’s Geotechnical Division, BAM Ritchies, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to Highways England market leading framework, “This appointment cements our status as one of the UK’s largest ground investigation contractors. Highways England were particularly impressed by our use of digital data collection and insights, which allows us to streamline our work and deliver faster, clearer, more accurate results.

“Built on a collaborative tender process, the approach allows greater value for money for the client and the taxpayer while presenting a sustainable pipeline of work for the contractors involved. We look forward to delivering for Highways England over the next four years and further building on our success.”

Catherine McGrath, Highways England Geotechnical Category Lead, said: “We are delighted to be awarding this new framework. It’s the first of its kind in the geotechnical sector and enables us to work directly with our small and medium sized enterprises.

”Early collaboration with the ground investigation supplier community during its development was key and resulted in the creation of a framework with the potential to generate efficiencies and reduce costs, providing greater value for money. We look forward to working with the successful suppliers.”