The four-year agreement will cover maintenance, repair and renewal of the road network in Area 10, and is scheduled to commence operation on 1 April 2019.

Area 10 covers Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Highways England said the framework could also be used to deliver work in Area 13 – covering Cumbria – from 2021 as well work in other areas as a contingency.

The framework is broken up into 10 lots, and includes work on structures, ecology and landscaping, general civil engineering, expansion joints, installation of specialist technology, lighting and electrical equipment, drainage and fencing.

Contractors can bid for and win a maximum of three lots and must register an interest to bid by 30 April.

Invitations to tender will then be sent out on 23 May.

Successful bidders are set to be announced on 10 December with mobilisation then taking place between January and March 2019 ahead of work commencing.