26 bidders chase HA's £300m Area 9 and 10 framework

A wide range of national and regional specialist players are in the hunt for a Highways Agency (HA) construction management framework deal worth £300m.

It is not yet clear at this stage how many of the firms vying for the Areas 9 and 10 project will make the final shortlist. But it is expected that the HA will make their choices early this summer.

Work on site is due to start in August, with the framework running for four years.

A source said: "It could well depend on the competitiveness of the bids as to how many contractors are taken on board.

"But with guaranteed work ahead in these difficult times, you can bank on an unusually fierce contest."

The scheme calls for a range of contractors to work on network improvements and maintenance projects on trunk roads and motorways.

The packages of work will include civil engineering, concrete repairs, bridges, surfacing and electrical.

Areas 9 and 10 include Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Gloucestershire, Hereford and Worcester and the West Midlands.