Smart motorways procurement plan
On 1 February 2018, ICE announced their involvement in helping Highways England explain how its proposed new commercial procurement model for smart motorways could work.
Highways England is developing a new procurement model to deliver the Smart Motorways Programme (SMP). This falls under the wider Routes to Market programme for procurement.
Working with the Department for Transport, Highways England operates, maintains and improves motorways and major A-roads. Its work supports economic growth by connecting people and businesses across England while making the network safer for those using and working on them.
The new SMP procurement model proposes new ways of working between the agency and its supply chain, drawing on an incentive-driven commercial model. The aim is to secure a sustainable supply chain by developing close, more collaborative and longer lasting relationships with suppliers – helping to deliver 'whole-life' value to their contracts.
Highways England is running workshops, information sessions about the new procurement model and asking for feedback.
ICE, alongside the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), is working with the agency to coordinate workshops examining the new procurement models in further detail.
To register your interest in participating in the engagement exercise, please send an email to highwaysengland.co.uk RTMYourQuestions@highwaysengland.co.uk with the following information by 5pm on 8 February 2018 (registrations of interest cannot be received after this date):
- Organisation name, website and key contact details.
- Organisation size/turnover.
- Industry/sector specialism.
- Areas of experience/expertise.
Please note that Highways England will supply further information about the proposed model, as well as information on the different engagement methods, by mid-February 2018 to those who have registered an interest.
This article was originally published here on 1 Feb 2018 by ICE. It was written by Simon Barney.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles by ICE on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Digital Roads 2025.
- Highways England.
- How to connect unconnected vehicles.
- Rapid Engineering Model REM.
- Road traffic management.
- Smart construction.
- Smart motorway.
- Smart technology.
- Types of road and street.
- Vision and validate: a third way in designing the roads of the future.
- What are smart motorways and how do they work?
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.