The combined authority responsible for a £1bn Tees Valley transport wish-list has begun early market engagement with construction firms, asking them how the potential work should be packaged before procurement begins.
The five-year programme covers April 2027 to March 2032 and spans major road schemes, railway upgrades, bus infrastructure, active travel and transport technology. It has been submitted to the Department for Transport.
Funding and project scope
The Government has confirmed £978m of core transport funding for the region. The wider programme, however, includes projects that still need further business-case approvals and additional financial backing.
That distinction matters for contractors: the confirmed £978m covers core transport funding, while the broader list of road, rail and bus projects is not fully funded. The authority says full delivery will rely on Government support and possibly outside investment, so the work available through procurement may depend on further approvals.
Major schemes identified in the wish-list include the Darlington Northern Link Road, upgrades to the A66 and A689 corridors, a new platform at Middlesbrough Station and the redevelopment of Thornaby Station.
Other ambitions include a new station at Teesside International Airport, improvements to Middlesbrough bus station and transport links serving the Teesworks development.
The authority has acknowledged that delivering the full programme will depend on Government support and potentially further outside funding.
Contracting strategy
Despite the funding uncertainties, the authority is pressing ahead with supplier engagement to prepare its procurement strategy. It expects to let multiple contracts covering highways, rail, civil engineering and specialist infrastructure rather than award one large deal.
It is also considering a programme-wide alliance using the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract model. The aim would be to bring delivery partners together and encourage regional contractors and small and medium-sized enterprises to take part.
Supplier event and deadline
An initial supplier launch event was held on 9 November. Firms are now invited to provide feedback through a market engagement questionnaire, with responses due by 1 March 2027.
Steve Harker, the combined authority’s cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said major transport schemes often require significant additional funding even though the body has devolved powers. He said Government backing for the plans is vital because it would allow external bodies to help fund the programme, giving the region the best chance of delivering as many projects as possible in good time.
The engagement process is taking place before formal procurement, so the authority has not yet set out contract values or a detailed timetable for individual awards. Its current focus is on testing how the programme can be divided into packages and whether an alliance model can support delivery across the region.