Transport for London (TfL) has awarded M Group a significant five-year contract for the maintenance of its bridges and civil structures, with an option to extend for an additional three years.

Following a competitive process conducted under the Competitive Flexible Procedure of the Procurement Act 2023, M Group Transport (Rail and Aviation) was selected as the preferred contractor to deliver this critical public infrastructure service.

The contract, valued at approximately £99.2M excluding VAT (£119M including VAT), is scheduled to commence on 1 April 2026, running through to 31 March 2031, with the potential to extend until 31 March 2034. This sizeable investment underscores TfL’s commitment to maintaining the safety and reliability of its railway network, particularly the vital bridges and civil structures that support operations.

Key to the contract is the provision of aggregated planned preventative and reactive maintenance services, excluding trackside activities. These services are extensive and encompass a range of technical and safety-critical tasks. They include the application of protective coatings to various civil assets, ranging from brick and masonry to concrete and steelwork, to ensure longevity and structural integrity. Vegetation management activities, also non-trackside, form another vital component, helping to prevent potential hazards caused by overgrowth and ensuring clear access to infrastructure.

The contract outlines detailed intervention and maintenance tasks critical to the operational safety of the network. These include maintenance of brick tunnels, covered ways, girders, and cable-related infrastructure such as cable posts and stiles. Specific activities like the replacement of defective cable posts and the four-yearly interventions to assets ensure that structural defects or degradations are addressed proactively. Additionally, maintenance extends to cable draw pits and the replacement of identification plates, which are essential for asset tracking and management.

Reactive maintenance and fault response are equally important elements under this arrangement. Swift identification and remediation of emerging faults or damage are crucial for minimising disruption and preventing accidents. Moreover, inspection planning and support services play a strategic role in maintaining ongoing oversight and governance of asset health.

The competitive tender process attracted three bids, with M Group Transport prevailing over rivals Spoor-Tech and Millcroft Services. This selection reflects a rigorous evaluation of technical capability, value for money, and alignment with TfL’s strategic priorities for infrastructure resilience.

By entrusting M Group Transport with this key maintenance contract, TfL aims to uphold stringent safety standards, reduce operational risks and optimise the lifecycle performance of its bridges and civil structures. These efforts are essential to supporting London’s vast and complex transport network, ensuring that millions of passengers benefit from safe and reliable journeys every day.

The contract award illustrates the increasing focus on preventive maintenance as a cornerstone of modern infrastructure management.

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