Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 7, Wolverhampton City Council has launched a tender for a major highways framework valued at up to £180 million, covering a wide range of infrastructure works across the Black Country region. Acting as the contracting authority for the Black Country Highways Works Framework, Wolverhampton is procuring the agreement on behalf of Black Country Transport, a regional partnership that includes Birmingham City Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC), Sandwell MBC, Walsall MBC, Wolverhampton Homes, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The new framework is intended to succeed the current Black Country Minor Works Framework, which is nearing its expiration. It aims to streamline the procurement process for transport-related construction and maintenance works across the participating local authorities.

The framework is divided into four lots, each addressing projects of different sizes and values. Lot 1 covers works up to £250,000, with a total estimated value of £15 million. Lot 2 applies to works valued between £250,000.01 and £750,000, amounting to an overall potential value of £21 million. Lot 3 includes projects worth between £750,000.01 and £5 million, with a total estimated value of £54 million. Lot 4 encompasses larger-scale projects ranging from £5 million to £10 million, representing a potential value of up to £90 million.

According to Wolverhampton City Council, successful suppliers could be appointed to carry out a broad scope of works, including road resurfacing, excavation of existing carriageways, and the construction of transport-related infrastructure such as park-and-ride facilities. However, the council emphasized that “there are no guarantees of minimum or maximum value or business placed as a result of the framework agreement.”

A maximum of 25 suppliers will be selected to join the framework, with contracts awarded through either direct award or mini-competition methods, depending on project requirements. This approach is intended to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and value for money in delivering essential transport improvements across the region.

The framework will initially run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. However, there is an option to extend it by one additional year to 31 March 2030, bringing its total potential duration to four years.

Companies interested in submitting a bid must complete their applications by 12 December 2025. Wolverhampton City Council stated that the announcement of successful suppliers is expected by 28 February 2026.

The Black Country Highways Works Framework represents an important investment in regional transport infrastructure, supporting local connectivity and economic development while ensuring that road networks across the Black Country remain safe, reliable, and capable of meeting future demand.