GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S roads are entering a new era next week when a new £130million highways contract launches.

Gloucestershire County Council is teaming up with Amey initially in a five-year contract on Tuesday when the previous contract with Skanska - when the partnership was known as Gloucestershire Highways - ends on Monday.

This could be extended up to 11 years in total, which means it could be worth up to £450million overall.

Amey was named as the preferred bidder for Gloucestershire's highway and transport services in December last year.

Councillor Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: “I am confident that our new highways partnership with Amey will provide quality services and value for money for local tax payers.

"Thanks to the extra investment we've made in our roads and this new partnership, I expect Gloucestershire's network to go from strength to strength into the 21st century."

Mel Ewell, Chief Executive for Amey, said: "By drawing on our existing footprint in the local area along with our national highways experience we can provide a high quality, yet cost efficient services for the county.”

Residents can report problems on the highway in the same way, either by reporting it online at gloucestershire.gov.uk/reportit, by emailing gcchighways@amey.co.uk or by calling 08000 514 514 or follow @glosroads on Twitter from Tuesday.