The scope of the framework has been extended with eleven councils across south eastern England now signed up to use the panel of contractors.

Existing framework partners Tarmac, Osborne, Eurovia and Jackson will be looking to rebook places on the extended deal worth up to £750m.

This time the councils are hoping to attract a host of local civil engineering contractors to bid for a new lot covering small works up to £1.5m while the other lot will cover larger packages of £1m-£20m, with firms restricted to bid for just one lot.

Procurement chiefs aims to appoint eight firms for the smaller lot, which is expected to account for up to £150m over four years, while six contractors will share the larger packages, expected to involve up to £600m of investment over the period.

Typical schemes will involve highway improvements, highway infrastructure works, including bridges, subways, culverts and retaining walls, public realm works for town centre enhancements, drainage improvements, canal works and other infrastructure works such as waste management facilities.

Firms have until 24 of August to complete PQQ’s, ahead of invitations to tender going out on 23 September.

The competition is being led by Cambridgeshire County Council with more information on the procurement portal.