The SMP Alliance represents a new procurement model for Highways England to deliver its entire smart motorways programme using a production line approach.
The intention is that the alliance will increase lane capacity on all parts of the strategic road network through embedding technology and converting hard shoulders to all-lane running.
The alliance will develop, design, and build multiple road schemes under a single alliance contract. Partners will operate from a centralised production hub to coordinate delivery.
Highways England is looking to appoint six partners for the alliance over a 10 and a half year period, including a mobilisation and a further period to complete outstanding works.
One partner will provide production management services (Lot 1), two partners will be 鈥榙igitally enabled鈥� designers (Lot 2) and three partners will undertake on-site assembly and construction (Lot 3).
Assuming that the complete smart motorways programme is fully funded over the 10 year term, which Highways England acknowledges is 鈥榦ptimistic鈥�, Lot 1 is valued at 拢350m, Lot 2 at 拢700m and Lot 3 at 拢5.95bn.
Highways England chief executive Jim O鈥橲ullivan said: 鈥淲e want a step change away from traditional thinking and more towards creating value.聽 We want companies that can learn from their experiences, and work together to deliver ever improving efficiency and productivity.鈥�
The procurement documents are available at:
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