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 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. 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 on the list
The named projects include:
- The Darlington Northern Link Road
- Upgrades to the A66 and A689 corridors
- A new platform at Middlesbrough Station
- Redevelopment of Thornaby Station
- A new station at Teesside International Airport
- Improvements to Middlesbrough bus station
- Transport links serving the Teesworks development
Funding caveat
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 crucial people understood that while the body is devolved, major transport schemes often require significant additional funding. Government backing is therefore vital, he said, because it will 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 approach
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 based on the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract model to bring delivery partners together and encourage regional contractors and SMEs to participate.
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.