Highways England has started the search for a ‘integration partner’ to project manage on its £6.8 billion Lower Thames Crossing Scheme although the winning company would not be the main contractor on the project.

The crossing will feature three lanes in each direction and, at 16m in diameter, will be one of the largest bored tunnels in the world, with interconnecting link roads to the M25, A13, and A2.

A full contract notice for the role is expected to be published on 6 July, with Highways England set to hold an online tender briefing session three days later.

As part of the procurement process it said: “Tenderers must note that if they are the successful tenderer for the integration partner and are awarded the contract they will be exempt from bidding for the Lower Thames Crossing main works contracts at tier 1 level. If the successful integration partner tenderer wishes to bid for the main works contracts at either tier 2 or 3 level they must contact Highways England prior to or during the main works procurement.”

According to the prior information notice, the integration partner will provide a broad range of project and programme management services to support the project. The winning company will also support the contract leadership teams through establishing and running the day-to-day management processes and provide the necessary systems requirements and interfaces, according to Highways England.

Interested parties would need to register by noon on 7 July.