National Highways has begun early engagement with the supply chain on a forthcoming estates construction programme that could see up to £166m of work delivered across its operational estate in England.
The government-owned roads operator said its estates and facilities division is preparing a structured pipeline of projects spanning maintenance depots, outstations and office refurbishments, forming part of a broader effort to modernise and maintain its nationwide infrastructure base. In total, the wider pipeline is valued at up to £199.2m, although the confirmed construction element currently stands at an estimated £166m excluding VAT.
The programme is expected to comprise a steady flow of schemes ranging in value from £1m to £15m, reflecting a mix of smaller-scale upgrades and more substantial redevelopment works. National Highways has identified 21 projects scheduled to begin from April 2027 over a four-year period, with a further 31 schemes earmarked for delivery at a later stage, suggesting a long-term, rolling investment strategy rather than a single concentrated burst of activity.
Alongside physical construction, the pipeline will also incorporate multidisciplinary professional services, signalling opportunities not only for contractors but also for consultants, designers and technical specialists. This integrated approach reflects the increasingly complex nature of estates delivery, where asset performance, sustainability targets and operational efficiency must be addressed in tandem.
National Highways said it is seeking feedback from suppliers to help refine its procurement approach, with particular emphasis on potential routes to market and preferred forms of contract. The engagement is intended to test market appetite and capability while ensuring that the eventual procurement strategy aligns with industry capacity and delivers value over the life of the programme.
Contracts arising from the pipeline are expected to run for eight years, from April 2027 through to April 2035, providing a relatively long-term horizon for successful bidders and reinforcing the client’s intention to build sustained delivery partnerships across its estate.
Geographically, the work will be distributed across multiple regions, including the North East, North West, Midlands, South East and South West, underscoring the national footprint of National Highways’ operations and the need for regionally capable supply chains.
As part of the engagement process, National Highways will host a supplier presentation on 8 May, followed by a questionnaire and optional one-to-one meetings. The exercise is due to conclude on 5 June 2026, with a formal tender notice anticipated in September 2026.
