National Highways has opened pre-market engagement for the Historical Railways Estate (HRE) 2027 Works Framework, replacing the existing works framework when it expires in 2027. The new agreement has an estimated value of £168 million including VAT and is expected to run for seven years from August 2027, covering repairs, strengthening, restoration, inspections, maintenance and emergency response across more than 3,100 former railway structures in England, Scotland and Wales.
This is a strong long-term opportunity for contractors with experience in bridges, viaducts, tunnels, masonry, heritage infrastructure and civil engineering. If you are considering engaging with the process, contact Thornton & Lowe for a quick bid fit review before committing internal resource.
What the Framework Covers
The HRE is a portfolio of structures and assets that were once part of Britain's rail network. National Highways manages the estate on behalf of the Department for Transport, but it cannot deliver these works in-house. The framework is therefore an important route to market for contractors able to maintain, repair and make safe specialist assets across a geographically dispersed estate.
The published engagement notice identifies three broad work areas:
- Major works: demolition, waterproofing, masonry brickwork and stonework repairs, and repair or protective treatment of metallic structures.
- Minor works: vegetation clearance, pointing, stabilisation of loose masonry, safety and security fencing, and reactive response to unauthorised access.
- Emergency response: attendance within four hours, making sites safe, minor repairs and response to bridge strikes, crashes, flooding and storm damage.
The final lot structure has not been confirmed. National Highways is using this engagement to gather feedback on framework structure, lotting and commercial considerations, which makes this a useful point for capable contractors to influence how the opportunity is packaged.
Why Contractors Should Engage Early
Pre-market engagement gives suppliers a legitimate route to highlight capacity, delivery challenges and practical packaging issues before the formal tender is issued. For a framework of this scale, that input can affect whether the final structure is accessible to specialist contractors, regional providers, larger contractors or consortium models. For broader context, see our guide to how framework agreements work.
- Show relevant capability early. Experience with heritage structures, bridges, viaducts, tunnels and masonry repairs will be directly relevant.
- Think about geography. The estate spans England, Scotland and Wales, so suppliers need a credible regional or national delivery model.
- Consider partners. The scope includes major works, minor works and emergency response. Partnerships may help specialist providers cover the full requirement.
Quick Facts
- Buyer: National Highways Limited
- Estimated value: £168,000,000 including VAT
- Stage: Preliminary market engagement
- Framework type: Works framework agreement
- Expected term: 25 August 2027 to 24 August 2034
- Structures covered: More than 3,100 HRE assets
Key Dates
- Engagement deadline: 10 July 2026 at 5:00pm
- Estimated tender notice date: 16 October 2026
- Notice: Find a Tender - 058188-2026
Tips for Contractors
- Use asset-specific case studies. General civils experience is useful, but examples involving bridges, viaducts, tunnels, masonry, waterproofing and heritage constraints will be stronger.
- Evidence emergency response capability. The notice identifies attendance within four hours, so response planning, mobilisation and out-of-hours cover matter.
- Be clear on regions. Do not overstate national coverage if your delivery model is regional. A strong regional proposal can be more credible than an unsupported national one.
Thornton & Lowe can help contractors assess the commercial fit of this framework, shape an engagement response and prepare for the formal tender. Get in touch for focused bid support.
