Manchester City Council has started the search for contractors to carry out £100m of highways work.

The council has published an official notice seeking interest in a framework agreement for highways construction and general civils work, which it said could include bulk excavation, bridge construction and retaining walls. The framework is also open for use by other contracting authorities.

The job will be split into two lots. The first, for works of up to £1m, has a total estimated value of £40m, while the second, for works of over £1m, is worth £60m, reports Construction News.

The work, which will take place in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire, will be carried out under an initial contract term of two years, with the potential to be extended for a further two years.

“The successful supplier will be required to actively participate in the economic and social regeneration of the locality of, and surroundings of, the place of delivery of the contract,” the notice said.

“Therefore, selection and award criteria, specification requirements and contract performance conditions may relate in particular to social and environmental considerations as relevant to the subject matter of this project.”

A maximum of 10 candidates will be invited for each lot, with work awarded on the basis of price, quality, social value and environmental impact.

Contractors have until 20 February to express their interest.