AtkinsRéalis and Jacobs appointed to National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services Framework

Jacobs and AtkinsRéalis have been jointly appointed by National Highways to its third Specialist Professional and Technical Services Framework (SPaTS3) to provide engineering and technical advice, research and innovation services.

This framework builds on the foundations of the previous two frameworks – providing National Highways with access to leading technical and engineering capability as it prepares to deliver England’s third Roads Investment Strategy (RIS3) from 2026 to 2031.

The new framework is valued up to £495 million over six years with six suppliers in total, including an AtkinsRéalis-Jacobs joint venture. SPaTS3 will provide National Highways access to a range of specialist professional and technical services including strategic transport planning, transport modelling, engineering, sustainability, network resilience and more. It will also enable National Highways to integrate essential social value elements into the delivery of services. The framework can be used by a range of public bodies including the Department for Transport.

AtkinsRéalis Market Director – Strategic Highways & Regional Roads, UK & Ireland,Peter Baynham said: “We are entering a pivotal era for highways infrastructure, following new Government investment and long-term plans for transformational and sustainable improvements. We have supported National Highways with innovative solutions through previous SPaTS frameworks, positioning us to continue this work in RIS3. Our combined expertise with Jacobs will help to ensure this investment translates into lasting benefits - boosting economic growth and connecting communities.”

Jacobs Senior Vice President Richard Sanderson said: “Resilient, low-carbon strategic road infrastructure is fundamental to England’s long-term economic growth, connected communities and a nature-positive environment. Our deep experience with the network and our wider supply chain, enables us to accelerate innovation, enhance efficiency and deliver lasting value to road users.”

Jacobs and AtkinsRéalis have an eight-year record of accomplishment through National Highways’ previous SPaTS frameworks, supported by an extensive core supply chain including small and medium-sized businesses and academic and research organisations. This includes the innovative "Structures Moonshot" project, which is exploring advanced technologies for bridge monitoring and maintenance, a Vehicle Noise Camera trial to help authorities track antisocial driving and vehicle noise pollution, and trials of graphene-enhanced asphalt on the A12 which could extend road materials’ lifespan while reducing carbon and advising on the strategic business plan for RIS3. As Environmental and Sustainability Technical Partner, the joint venture is also supporting the delivery of National Highways’ Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

Additionally, Jacobs and AtkinsRéalis are members of the Roads Research Alliance, and have achieved PAS 2080:2023 verification for carbon management in infrastructure, demonstrating their systematic approach to helping clients reduce carbon emissions across the entire infrastructure lifecycle.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital.  News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.