East West Rail Company has put firms on alert for a virtual bidders day for a major £700m framework covering preparatory and support works for the Oxford–Cambridge rail link.

The eight-year Programme Support Works Framework will bring together multiple suppliers across five lots from archaeology and ground investigation to principal contractor/minor civils. It is due out to tender in April 2026.

Ahead of the the formal invitation to tender the rail company is holding a virtual supplier briefing on 6 November.

EWR Co will provide information on its emerging thinking on packaging and the contracting approach for the framework at the virtual briefing event while pre-procurement market engagement documents will be made available to relevant registered suppliers.

Consultant Arcadis is acting as procurement and commercial partner for the £700m framework, which is due to go live in January 2027.

EWR Co said the framework was being put in place to accelerate readiness and de-risk the programme while supporting SME involvement and innovation as the project gears up for full delivery.

Registration for the supplier briefing is open until 4 November at 5pm via EWR’s Jaggaer portal.