Introduction

The Walsall Council transport capital programme will be expanding over the next 5 years.  There is currently no mechanism in place to aid the delivery of schemes once preliminary design and public consultation has been completed.  During the 2007/08 financial year there was an under spend on the programme due to the backlog of work that needs to be taken out onto site.  The council is therefore seeking to appoint framework contractors who will potentially undertake all work over the next 4 years.

The contract would potentially enable schemes to be taken out onto site far earlier than through the current tendering process.  It would also allow Walsall Council to engage with contractors during the detailed design process to minimise risk before construction commences.