The combined authority for the Tees Valley has begun asking construction firms how best to package a five-year transport programme with a headline value of about £1bn, after submitting its wish-list to the Department for Transport.
The programme is scheduled to run from April 2027 to March 2032 and spans 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 authority says the wider programme includes projects that still require further business case approvals and additional financial backing.
Schemes on the list
Major schemes named in the submission 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. Further ambitions cover a new station at Teesside International Airport, improvements to Middlesbrough bus station and transport links serving the Teesworks development.
Funding remains the open question
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 major transport schemes often require significant additional funding even where a devolved body is responsible. Government backing, he said, is vital 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.
Contracts split by discipline
Despite the funding uncertainty, 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 under 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 being invited to give feedback through a market engagement questionnaire and to register an interest. Contractors have until 1 March 2027 to respond.