Bury Council to launch £72m highways and civil engineering framework in 2026

Bury Council has announced plans to procure a major highways and civil engineering framework this summer, with a total value of up to £72 million.

The initiative will cover construction, maintenance, and specialist civil engineering works across the Greater Manchester borough, as part of the council’s ongoing investment in local infrastructure.

A planned procurement notice indicates that the tender will be released on 1 June 2026, with submissions due by 1 July 2026, and the council expects to award contracts by 1 October 2026. The framework is scheduled to run from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030, providing a multi-year structure for the delivery of essential highway works.

The framework is divided into seven lots, each targeting a specific area of work:

• Lot 1: Planned Maintenance (Paving and specialist projects) – £16.1m

• Lot 2: Carriageway Surfacing – £30.2m

• Lot 3: Lining (including coloured surface overlay) – £2m

• Lot 4: Civils (Drainage works and specialist projects) – £16.1m

• Lot 5: CCTV – Jetting/Inspections – £1m

• Lot 6: Highway Structures – £6m

• Lot 7: Coring – £503k

All figures include VAT.

Scope and significanceThe framework will enable the council to maintain and improve roads, pavements, drainage, and other highway structures, helping to reduce potholes, enhance road safety, and improve journey reliability for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. By structuring the procurement across multiple lots, Bury Council aims to encourage competition, ensure specialist expertise, and streamline contract management for complex projects.

The inclusion of CCTV jetting and inspections reflects a growing emphasis on proactive maintenance, allowing the council to identify and address issues such as blocked drains or structural weaknesses before they escalate. Similarly, the highway structures and coring lots ensure that bridges, retaining walls, and other assets are maintained to modern safety and performance standards.

Strategic and financial context

Bury Council, like many local authorities, faces increasing demand on its highways and infrastructure budget. By establishing a multi-year framework, the council can lock in costs, plan ahead, and deliver work efficiently while minimising disruption to residents and road users. The £72m allocation underlines the borough’s long-term commitment to investment in transport infrastructure, supporting wider economic growth and connectivity across Greater Manchester.

Next steps for contractors

Interested suppliers will need to demonstrate relevant experience, technical capability, and the ability to deliver high-quality services in line with local and national highway standards. The competitive process will assess proposals across cost, quality, sustainability, and community impact, with successful contractors expected to begin work from January 2027.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow updates on Bury Council’s website, which will provide further details on the tendering process and specific projects as the framework is implemented.