Transport for London (TfL) has initiated a preliminary market engagement exercise in preparation for its forthcoming Bridges and Structures Maintenance Contract, estimated to be worth over £100 million including VAT.
The move is part of TfL’s proactive approach to shaping the scope and strategy of the procurement process by gathering insights from the market.
The organisation is seeking input from potential suppliers to better understand their capacities and expertise and to identify potential challenges or opportunities associated with the contract.
This early engagement aims to ensure a robust and well-informed commercial strategy designed to support the ongoing safety and reliability of one of the world’s most complex urban transport infrastructures.
Extensive Scope of Work Across TfL’s Infrastructure
The contract will encompass the maintenance of more than 20,000 assets under TfL’s Bridges & Structures portfolio. This includes a diverse array of critical infrastructure such as deep tube tunnels, embankments, and earth structures forming integral parts of the London Underground network.
In addition to the Underground, the successful contractor will also deliver services across other parts of the TfL network, including London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, and London Trams.
Key responsibilities under the contract will cover:
- Planned preventative maintenance
- Reactive maintenance and emergency call-outs
- Application of protective coatings
- Vegetation management
- Inspections and structural repairs – including brickwork, drainage systems, and concrete elements
A significant aspect of the contract includes asset validation, where the chosen supplier must verify existing data within TfL’s asset management system, Maximo. This will involve on-site visits to inspect assets and ensure that all records are accurate and up to date.
Contract Value and Timeline
The total estimated value of the contract stands at £84.7 million, rising to £101.6 million with VAT. The contract will run for an initial five-year term from April 2026 to March 2031, with the possibility of extending to 2034, depending on performance and strategic needs.
TfL has stressed the importance of supplier participation during this early phase. Interested parties are encouraged to express their interest by contacting [email protected] with the subject line ‘Bridges & Structures Maintenance Contract – Registering interest’ no later than 23 April.
“This engagement will strictly focus on market conditions rather than the performance of individual suppliers, with no commitments or obligations established at this preliminary stage.”
TfL emphasised that the objective of this market engagement is to inform the upcoming tender process, ensuring that its infrastructure maintenance continues to meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency and value for money.
