Hampshire County Council has started the search for contractors for its Generation 5 Civil Engineering, Highways and Transportation Collaborative Framework.

According to the tender announcement, up to 26 firms could be appointed to the four-lot deal, which can be used by a range of public bodies from Cornwall to Kent.

Contractors appointed to the framework will carry out mainly highways-related works, but also some larger unrelated projects, between 2024 and 2028, according to a report by New Civil Engineer.

Lot 1 of the deal will see up to four firms deliver duties within Hampshire itself, including surfacing, paving, enabling utility diversions and construction of cycle ways.

Lot 2 will be split into East and West, with up to six firms appointed to each geographical section to deliver works such as flood alleviation, bridge repair and junction improvements. Covering swathes of South East and South West England, these deals are worth a combined maximum of £100m.

Lot 3 is for larger jobs valued individually at between £4m and £25m.

Finally Lot 4 covers projects from £20m to £175m and could involve constructing recycling centres and building at airports and on canals across the South of England.

Contractors have until 2pm on Monday 3 July to express their interest in the framework.