A new civil engineering framework covering the UK has appointed 109 firms to compete for infrastructure and enabling-works projects worth up to £4.3bn over four years. This includes a dedicated highways lot.
Permission to compete, not guaranteed projects
The appointment gives firms access to bid for work under different lots, including highways, rail, water, demolition, remediation and others. However, it does not guarantee projects or spending.
The framework operates as a procurement mechanism that public-sector bodies can use to call off contracts as schemes gain approval and funding. The £4.3bn figure represents the maximum potential value of projects that could be commissioned, not committed or already contracted work.
How the framework is structured
Starting in September 2026 and lasting four years, the National Framework for Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Enabling Works 2026 merges two previous Pagabo routes into one. YPO serves as the central procurement authority while Pagabo manages the framework's design and delivery.
It has 13 principal lots, covering collaborative delivery, highways, rail, water and environmental works, maritime infrastructure, energy, aviation, nuclear and defence, rail systems, demolition, land remediation and groundworks, as well as wider enabling works.
Each lot is subdivided by geography and contract value. This means that the 109 firms are approved for specific lots, regions and value bands rather than the entire framework or all highways work.
Where highways fit in
The dedicated highways lot provides a clear procurement route for local authorities, National Highways and other public bodies to appoint contractors for road projects. This is significant as highways work often includes related activities such as drainage, structures, utilities, demolition and ground remediation.
By including those disciplines alongside carriageway works within the overall framework, commissioning bodies can manage complex projects through one agreed structure.
What it means for contractors and clients
For contractors, a framework place means the ability to compete for projects within their qualified lots and regions. It does not guarantee turnover or minimum workloads.
For public bodies, the framework simplifies procurement processes once schemes have funding and approval. But it does not determine which projects proceed or the scale of the highways pipeline, especially given ongoing debates over RIS3 road budget reductions.
The appointment of 109 firms establishes a substantial national supply chain for civil engineering. The real impact on highways depends on which public-sector bodies use the framework and the commissions they place through the highways lot.
In summary, this framework sets a new, established route for procuring highways and related civil engineering work across the UK. The potential value is large, but delivery will depend on project-by-project commissioning.
