A North East combined authority has submitted a five-year transport wish-list to the Department for Transport and is asking construction firms how best to package the potential work. The programme runs from April 2027 to March 2032 and covers major road schemes, railway upgrades, bus infrastructure, active travel and transport technology.
Funding and project scope
The Government has already 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 programme will depend on Government support and potentially further outside funding.
Major schemes on the 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.
Funding case and delivery conditions
Steve Harker, the combined authority’s cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said people should understand that, while the body is devolved, major transport schemes often require significant additional funding. 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 list is therefore a statement of ambition rather than a fully confirmed construction pipeline. Some projects remain subject to business case approvals, and the authority has said the full programme will depend on Government support and potentially further outside funding.
Procurement and supplier engagement
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.
The authority is also considering a programme-wide alliance using the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract model. The aim would be to 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, and contractors have until 1 March 2027 to respond. The authority has also invited contractors to register an interest.
The engagement is intended to inform the procurement strategy before the programme begins in April 2027. With work spanning roads, rail, bus, active travel and transport technology, the eventual contracts are expected to cover several disciplines and a range of project types.