WJ Group has secured a place on the NEPO210 Highways Surfacing Works Framework, including first place on Lot 14 for hot-applied surface patching repair. Under the framework, WJ is appointed to Lot 5 Hot Applied High Friction Surfacing, Lot 6 Cold Applied High Friction Surfacing, Lot 14 Hot Applied Surface Patching Repair – where WJ is ranked first – and Lot 16 Road Markings. This framework, established by NEPO on behalf of the Association of Northeast Councils, provides a compliant route for local authorities and other public sector bodies to procure planned and reactive surfacing works across the UK. Cost-effective procurement is also available to associate members nationwide via this established framework.
A focus of WJ’s appointment under NEPO210 is the delivery of fast, durable surface defect repairs that can be combined with road marking renewal in a single traffic management arrangement. The framework enables contracting authorities to call off works for pothole repair, patching and other reactive maintenance, alongside high-friction surfacing and road markings, through a single contractor rather than multiple separate packages. WJ can deliver any of the appointed lots as stand-alone services or as part of a comprehensive kerb-to-kerb approach, depending on client requirements.
WJ’s surface defect repair system enables rapid reinstatement of potholes, cracks and areas of surface crazing while allowing road markings to be renewed under the same traffic management. The process uses a hot, screed-applied thermoplastic compound consisting of polymer-modified bitumen, fillers, fibres and aggregates. The material cures quickly and bonds thermally to the existing surface, providing a seamless, long-lasting repair. The BBA/HAPAS-approved system meets UK highway standards and has been proven in heavily trafficked locations. It is suitable for a wide range of asphalt surfaces and performs well under sustained loading. In high-stress areas such as junctions and roundabouts, the repaired sections resist wheel loads and scrub, supporting consistent in-service performance.
Delivering both surface defect repairs and road marking renewals in a single visit is central to WJ’s “Mend It, Mark It” approach and is a key operational benefit for authorities using NEPO210. Traditional repair programmes can require extended closures, multiple plant and multiple visits from different contractors to complete patching, reinstate high-friction surfacing and replace markings. By combining these activities, WJ reduces the number of vehicle movements and traffic management setups needed, which in turn lowers disruption, cost and carbon output associated with repeat works on the same section of network.
One crew with one truck can complete both surface repairs and line marking in a single visit, reducing overall site time and improving productivity. This is enabled by WJ’s multi-use trucks, fitted with three on-board boilers. These allow crews to fill potholes and apply two colours of thermoplastic markings from one vehicle, so that road surface and delineation can be reinstated as part of the same operation. The system reduces the need for follow-on visits, simplifies programming and supports more efficient use of road space during closures and lane restrictions.
Nick Holt, Managing Director, WJ North, said: “Securing first place for hot-applied surface patching repair on NEPO210 confirms the strength of our surface defect repair offer. Our focus is on completing as much work as possible within a single closure – repairing the surface and renewing road markings in one operation. That approach reduces the number of visits to site, lowers traffic management requirements and provides better overall value for our clients.”
The NEPO210 Highways Surfacing Works Framework is available to the twelve North East local authorities and to a wide range of public sector organisations across the UK via NEPO associate membership. WJ can mobilise quickly from its regional depots to support authorities accessing the framework, providing local delivery with consistent national standards. This combination of an established framework route, proven repair system and integrated repairs and marking capability offers contracting authorities a straightforward way to address surface defects, maintain safety and manage whole-life asset performance using a single contractor.
(Image – WJ Group)