Project overview
Associated Asphalt is currently part of the West Sussex Pavements Framework where we are invited to submit annual tenders for the county’s programmes of surfacing, footpath works and patching. We have been successful in securing the annual patching works three times in the last four years and have recently been awarded the footpath works for 2026 -27.
The framework requires a collaborative, flexible approach to manage a high volume of schemes, varying scopes and changing priorities, while maintaining programme certainty, cost control and minimal disruption to communities.
The challenge
The framework involves multiple concurrent schemes, frequent design changes and complex logistics, often delivered under live traffic conditions and extended road closures. Maintaining access for residents, businesses, schools and public transport is a critical requirement.
Our approach
Associated Asphalt adopted a collaborative, open book approach to framework delivery from the outset. Early Contractor Involvement has been embedded across all schemes, with supervisors visiting sites prior to contract award to identify risks, redesign opportunities and programme efficiencies.
The team work closely with WSCC’s Street Works and framework teams, self managing road space bookings and permits through the council’s Street Manager system. This provides greater flexibility in programming, reducing delays and allowing issues to be resolved early.
Strong stakeholder engagement supports smooth delivery, with clear communication to residents, businesses, schools and transport operators ahead of works.
Scope of works
Works delivered under the framework included a wide range of highways maintenance activities.
- Carriageway pre surface dressing and structural patching
- Day and night working
- Planing and processing of tar bound materials
- Sweeping, gully cleaning and ironwork adjustments
- Machine and hand lay resurfacing
- Road markings and high friction surfacing
- Traffic management including diversions and Chapter 8 works
- Permit management, road space coordination and stakeholder liaison
Collaboration and innovation
Collaboration is central to the success of the framework. Associated Asphalt works closely with WSCC to adapt designs, share traffic management and coordinate multiple contractors within the same road space, reducing disruption and improving efficiency.
A transparent commercial model was developed to clearly demonstrate resources, rates and programme durations on a day by day basis. This improves cost certainty and strengthens trust between all parties.
Innovative tar remediation technology was introduced to treat tar bound planings on site, removing carcinogenic materials from the process and producing clean aggregate for reuse. This approach achieved zero to landfill while reducing carbon impacts associated with repeated encapsulation.
Safety, resilience and social value
Local supply chains have been prioritised to reduce transport movements and carbon emissions, while consistent teams are maintained to build strong working relationships and shared accountability.
The outcome
The West Sussex County Council Highways Framework is delivered through a collaborative, transparent and adaptive approach. The framework has created a relationship of trust between Associated Asphalt and WSCC, improving cost and programme certainty and delivering safer, more efficient highways maintenance across the county.
This contract demonstrates Associated Asphalt’s capability to manage complex, high volume framework contracts while balancing technical delivery, community impact and long term value.