Highways England is seeking bidders for up to 14 places on a construction works framework for its East region worth up to £340m.

The Government-owned company has published the contract notice for the framework, which is one of three for the region formerly known as Areas 6 and 8 under its asset delivery model.

Last year Highways England announced a 15-year maintenance and response contract for the region worth £490m.

The length of the new framework is 54 months, which includes a six month mobilisation period with an estimated total value of £340m. The notice states that the envisaged maximum number of participants to the framework agreement is 14.

‘Construction Works Framework (CWF) will be made up of a number of different contractors from different specialist areas who will work together to deliver network improvement and maintenance schemes within the East Region.' It adds: ‘Highways England may also use this framework to deliver works in any other HE operational area as a contingent measure,' the notice states.

The framework is divided into eight lots with any one tenderer permitted to bid for a maximum of three lots.

The lots are:

  • Temporary Traffic Management
  • Road Restraint Systems and Fencing
  • Road Markings and Road Studs
  • Road Lighting and Electrical
  • Technology
  • General Civils, Drainage and Geotechnical
  • Landscape and Ecology
  • Structures, Structural Services and Expansion Joints

The procurement is taking place under a ‘restricted procedure'. The notice states that Highways England ‘reserves the right to use a reverse auction'.

Invitations to tender or to participate are expected to be sent to selected candidates on 4 March.