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Network Rail is inviting bids for its £7bn framework to deliver works across its southern routes.

In a contract notice, Network Rail revealed it was looking for three contractors to carry out necessary works on the Anglia, Southeast and Wessex routes between April 2019 and 2024.

The framework, which will cover building and civils, electrification, power, signalling, telecommunications and track works, will be see each contract awarded to a single bidder.

Design work is also included in the scope of the framework.

While a majority of works undertaken by the winning bidders will be undertaken primarily on Anglia, Southeast and Wessex routes, the framework will also be available for use by other Network Rail regions across the UK.

Each bidder, including joint ventures, can only be awarded one route in the framework.

While the framework will initially run for five years, Network Rail has an option to extend the term of each framework by 12 months on up to three occasions.

Bidders have until 26 March to register their interest, with invitations to tender expected to be sent out in the coming months.

It comes days after Network Rail posted a contract notice for a framework covering works across the North of England and Scotland.

It gave firms until next month to register interest in a huge programme of works being let under the £1.9bn framework.

The frameworks three lots in the northern framework are worth £320m to £950m, £135m to £450m and Â£190m to £500m respectively.