UK news

Highways agency expands contract with Norbert Dentressangle

The Highways Agency has expanded its contract with Norbert Dentressangle to encompass the handling, storage and distribution of motorway variable message signs.

The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport.

Norbert Dentressangle was originally appointed by the Highways Agency in 2010 to manage a storage and distribution operation from its modern shared-user warehouse in Telford. To accommodate the increase in stock, Norbert Dentressangle has invested in an additional warehouse at the site. This will provide bulk storage and 2,000 pallet locations for the signs, some of which are over 4m wide and weigh up to 800kg.

The variable message signs are to be used on the network within planned managed motorways projects to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer journeys.

To ensure the safe and careful transportation of the signs, Norbert Dentressangle has deployed high lift vehicles and its drivers have undertaken specialist handling training.

Previously, the Highways Agency paid manufacturers to store its signs but under the new arrangement it will benefit from consolidating all the stock at the Telford site. Norbert Dentressangle will also be responsible for the phased migration of product from manufacturer sites in Gatwick, Aylesbury and Newcastle Upon Tyne.