Devon County Council has initiated preliminary engagement on a new highways term maintenance contract (TMC) valued at approximately £1bn.
With its current contract expiring on 31 March 2029, the council is looking to establish a ‘future-focused, value-driven contract' that encourages safe, resilient and sustainable highway operations across Devon ‘both now and for the long-term'.
Expected to run from 1 April 2029 to 31 March 2036, the contract also allows for a possible extension to 31 March 2043, bringing the total runtime to 14 years.
Engagement will take place as a four-phase programme, starting with a launch event webinar on 30 April 2026.
This will then be followed by a questionnaire, which will be used to inform two face-to-face discussions held on 19 and 20 May. Devon CC noted that participation in these in-person events will be limited to Tier 1 contractors or consortium bidders who ‘would be capable of bidding as Prime Contractor for the future TMC'.
The final stage will then see an update to the market summarising key themes and next steps following the first three phases, which is expected to be published in July 2026.
Those wishing to participate in this early engagement must contact the council here by 29 April.
Devon CC also stated that participation in this early engagement is not a requirement to submit a tender – which is expected to be published on 1 June 2027 – and will not inform the selection process.
Full details of the contract, engagement process and how to participate can be found here.
