The contracts goes to a joint venture with consultants Halcrow and contractor Colas

The joint venture will carry out a range of operational and routine maintenance services and deliver improvements on the motorways and trunk roads in the East Midlands.

"The award of this important five year contract reflects our continuing strategic focus on major 'blue chip' customers, and reinforces Costain's position as a leading player in the construction and maintenance of highways in the UK," said Costain chief executive Andrew Wyllie.