The North East combined authority has submitted a five-year transport wish-list worth about £1bn to the Department for Transport and is now asking construction firms how the potential work should be packaged for procurement.
The programme runs from April 2027 to March 2032 and covers major road schemes, railway upgrades, bus infrastructure, active travel and transport technology. The Government has already confirmed £978m of core transport funding for the region, but the wider list includes projects that still require further business case approvals and additional financial backing.
Schemes in the frame
- Darlington Northern Link Road
- Upgrades to the A66 and A689 corridors
- A new platform at Middlesbrough Station and redevelopment of Thornaby Station
- A new station at Teesside International Airport
- Improvements to Middlesbrough bus station and transport links serving the Teesworks development
The authority acknowledges that delivering the full programme will depend on Government support and potentially further outside funding, and that the schemes sit at different stages of business case development.
Procurement strategy
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, a structure consistent with its aim of widening participation to regional contractors and SMEs.
The authority is also considering a programme-wide alliance using the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract model to bring delivery partners together. An initial supplier launch event was held on 9 November, and firms are now invited to provide feedback through a market engagement questionnaire. Contractors have until 1 March 2027 to respond.
Funding caveat
Steve Harker, the combined authority's cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said it was crucial people understood that, while the body is devolved, major transport schemes often require significant additional funding. Government backing for the plans is vital, he said, 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.