Liverpool City Council Awards £800m Highways Framework to Eight Contractors

Liverpool City Council has named eight contractors to its new Highways Planned Works Framework, a programme worth up to £800m over the next four years.

The framework, which runs until May 2029, will deliver major infrastructure projects such as green bus routes, car-free active travel corridors, and electric vehicle charging facilities.

Among the appointed firms are John Sisk & Son, Keltbray, and Graham, alongside Dowhigh, HA Civils, J Hopkins (Contractors), The Casey Group, Eric Wright Civil Engineering, and Aureos Highways.

The council said the framework supports its wider vision of reducing dependency on private cars, with additional commitments to creating travel plans for schools and large employers.

The agreement is divided into two lots:

• Lot One: Projects up to £1.5m in value.

• Lot Two: Projects above £1.5m.

  
  

To ensure a balanced distribution of work, contractors cannot hold positions on both lots, with appointments to Lot Two made first to enforce this rule.

Procured through a restricted procedure, the framework was made accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, although not deemed suitable for voluntary, community, or social enterprises. The process began with a prior information notice in April 2024, followed by a supplier engagement event in June. Bidders were evaluated using the Common Assessment Standard alongside lot-specific questions.

While the £800m figure represents the maximum potential value of the framework, the council has committed to a minimum spend of £100m.