National Highways has announced plans to procure a £6bn framework to enhance key roads in England.
The proposed Scheme Delivery Framework 2 (SDF2) will cover six years of upgrades to the 4,500-mile strategic road network (SRN). Procurement is scheduled to start in September next year.
The agency invited industry views on what it described as “one of the biggest and most important pieces of infrastructure in the country”.
“It comprises more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads which are at the core of our national transport system,” it added.
National Highways estimates the framework will be worth £1bn a year for six years, although the contract value and duration may change as the body fully develops its procurement strategy.
“SDF2 is an exciting opportunity for existing and new suppliers who may be interested in bidding,” it said.
The framework will replace the existing SDF and the Pavement Delivery Framework (PDF), which both end in 2027. Morgan Sindall, Amey, VolkerFitzpatrick and Winvic are among 50 suppliers on the £3.6bn six-year SDF framework, awarded in 2021.
Successful SDF2 suppliers will renew structures, pavement, drainage, road restraints and install signs, technology and lighting along the SRN, which comprises England’s most used motorways and A roads.
Lots are likely to be divided by area, which National Highways said would help it attract a larger pool of suppliers and engage with SMEs and local firms.
During the next framework period, National Highways said it would prioritise cutting costs through standardised design, improving productivity and using “less administratively burdensome contracts”.
SDF2 will be based on the NEC4 suite of contracts, which National Highways said would reduce administration for low-risk works and stimulate good relationship management between contractor and client. It is inviting opinions about different contracting models during the market engagement phase.
National Highways will accept feedback on its proposals in an online launch event on 13 November and three workshop days in the following weeks in Birmingham. Interested suppliers must submit an expression of interest form online before 6 November.
