The East West Railway Company has begun procurement for a new £450m framework to help prepare the route for construction.

The multi-lot Programme Support Works Framework covers six lots spanning site surveys, archaeology, site establishment works and ground investigations. A single contractor will land the principle contractor/integrator role with multiple suppliers to be appointed to each of the five specialist lots, with packages designed to bring in SMEs and tier two and three firms.

Valued at up to £450m the framework is due to start in February 2028 for a four-year core term, with extensions potentially covering a further four years.

East West Rail (EWR) will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge and is being delivered in phases to allow the benefits of the railway be felt by communities as soon as possible.

The lots comprise:

• Lot 0 - Principle contractor/integrator
• Lot 1 - Historic environment
• Lot 2- Ground investigation and monitoring
• Lot 3 - Environmental and ecological surveys
• Lot 4- Environmental and ecological works
• Lot 5 - Enabling works

Firms have until 13 November 2026 to express an interest in participating. Click here for more information.