The Tees Valley combined authority has begun engaging construction firms on a £1bn transport programme, asking the market how the potential work should be packaged before it sets its procurement strategy.
The five-year programme runs from April 2027 to March 2032 and covers major road schemes, railway upgrades, bus infrastructure, active travel and transport technology. It has been submitted to the Department for Transport as a transport wish-list.
The Government has confirmed £978m of core transport funding for the region. The wider programme, however, includes projects that still require further business case approvals and additional financial backing. The authority has acknowledged that delivering the full list will depend on Government support and potentially further outside funding.
Major schemes named in the programme 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.
Steve Harker, the combined authority’s cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said it was crucial that people understand major transport schemes often require significant additional funding even though the body is devolved. He said Government backing was vital because it would allow external bodies to help fund the programme and give the region the best chance of delivering as many projects as possible in good time.
Despite the funding uncertainties, the authority is pressing ahead with early 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 giant deal.
It is also considering a programme-wide alliance using the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract model. The authority said such an arrangement could bring together delivery partners and encourage regional contractors and small and medium-sized enterprises to participate.
An initial supplier launch event was held on 9 November. Firms are now invited to provide feedback through a market engagement questionnaire, with contractors given until 1 March 2027 to respond.