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 work should be packaged, with early supplier engagement already under way to shape its procurement strategy.
The programme is scheduled to 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 list contains projects that still require further business case approvals and additional financial backing.
Schemes on the list
The authority's headline projects include:
- The Darlington Northern Link Road
- Upgrades to the A66 and A689 corridors
- A new platform at Middlesbrough station
- Redevelopment of Thornaby station
Further ambitions set out in the submission include a new station at Teesside International Airport, improvements to Middlesbrough bus station and transport links serving the Teesworks development.
Several contracts rather than one deal
Despite the funding uncertainties, the authority is pressing ahead with market engagement so that it can settle how the work will be tendered. It expects to let multiple contracts covering highways, rail, civil engineering and specialist infrastructure instead of awarding a single 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 is intended to encourage regional contractors and SMEs to take part.
Funding caveat attached
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 that although 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.
Engagement timetable
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.