Engagement begins on £1bn Birmingham highways framework

Birmingham City Council has started early engagement for a new highways and infrastructure framework valued at approximately £1bn over the next eight years.

The framework is designed to support a wide range of maintenance and upgrade projects across the West Midlands, covering everything from minor road improvements to major capital civil engineering schemes.

It will also be open to other local public bodies, with flexible delivery routes such as construct-only, design and build, and early contractor involvement.

The deal is structured to allow the framework to be reopened to new entrants in years 3 and 5, ensuring continued opportunities for firms to participate.

The five lots in the framework will cover various types of work.

• Lot 1 will focus on minor works, including tasks like white lining, small-scale surfacing, paving, and improvements to local footpaths and cycleways.

• Lot 2 will deal with medium-sized projects, such as junction upgrades, pedestrian crossings, public realm schemes, and resurfacing.

• Lot 3 will cover major infrastructure projects, including large-scale capital works like ring road upgrades, highways realignment, and significant public infrastructure schemes.

• Lot 4 will offer integrated design and build packages for various projects.

• Lot 5 will provide early contractor involvement, enabling contractors to offer advice during early design stages to improve buildability and cost efficiency.

  
  

The framework will also cover utility diversion and protection works.

Birmingham City Council is planning to formally invite tenders on 10 June, with contracts expected to begin on 19 January 2026 and run until January 2034.