The Tees Valley combined authority has submitted a five-year transport wish-list to the Department for Transport and is now asking construction firms how the potential workload should best be packaged up.
The programme would run 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 programme includes projects that still require further business case approvals and additional financial backing.
Schemes named on the list
Among the major schemes put forward are the Darlington Northern Link Road, upgrades to the A66 and A689 corridors, a new platform at Middlesbrough Station and the redevelopment of Thornaby Station.
Further 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.
Steve Harker, the combined authority's cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said it was important for people to understand that while the body is devolved, major transport schemes often require significant additional funding. He added that 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.
Procurement shaped around multiple contracts
Despite the funding uncertainties, the authority is pressing ahead with early supplier engagement to prepare its procurement strategy. It expects to let several contracts covering highways, rail, civil engineering and specialist infrastructure rather than award one large deal.
It is also considering a programme-wide alliance built on the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract model, which would bring delivery partners together and encourage regional contractors and SMEs to take part.
An initial supplier launch event was held on 9 November, and firms are now invited to give feedback through a market engagement questionnaire. Contractors have until 1 March 2027 to respond.