The framework has been awarded over three lots to:

Lot 1 – under £2 million

• Connect Archaeology LLP
• Infra
• Archaeology Management Solutions

Lot 2 – £2 million to £5 million

• Headland
• Oxford-Cotswold Archaeology
• Aecom
• Museum of London Archaeology

Lot 3 – over £5 million

• Headland
• Oxford-Cotswold Archaeology
• Aecom
• Museum of London Archaeology

The archaeology contractors will work directly with Highways England to support the initial design stage of road schemes.

Catherine McGrath, Category Manager for Ground Investigation and Archaeology at Highways England said: “We’re delighted to announce the new framework; it’s the first of its kind in the archaeological sector for Highways England and enables us to develop direct relationships with archaeology contractors, developing greater efficiencies.

“We look forward to working with the successful suppliers.”