The DfT Structures Fund is a major opportunity for local highway authorities to secure funding for essential repairs and replacements to ageing transport infrastructure.
Launched by the Department for Transport, the fund supports local highway structures that are no longer performing as they should, or that are likely to need major intervention before 31 March 2030. This includes bridges, flyovers, retaining walls, culverts, embankments, cuttings and tunnels.
For many authorities, these assets are critical to everyday life. They connect communities, keep freight moving, support access to jobs and services, and protect the road network. When a bridge is weight restricted, a tunnel needs urgent works, or a key route is closed, the impact can be felt quickly through longer journeys, delayed deliveries and pressure on neighbouring roads.
That is why the Structures Fund is more than a maintenance programme. It is part of a wider push to improve transport infrastructure, support economic growth and address the impact of underinvestment, ageing assets and extreme weather.
What is the DfT Structures Fund?
The Structures Fund provides grant funding to support the capital costs of repairing or replacing local highway structures. It is open to local highway authorities in England and Transport for London, with funding targeted at schemes that authorities or third parties cannot afford to deliver from existing budgets.
Eligible works can include the repair or replacement of a single structure, or a package of connected structures within a local area. Enhancements may also be included where they are an essential consequence of the repair or replacement. For example, where a structure needs to meet modern transport demands or become more resilient to future weather conditions.
The fund is expected to be highly competitive. Each authority can propose one scheme, with a second proposal only accepted in exceptional circumstances. Submissions will be assessed using the government’s five-case model, covering the strategic, economic, commercial, financial and management case for investment.
How and when to submit
Authorities planning to apply must submit their final submission template and economic toolkit to the Department for Transport by 23:59 on 3 August 2026.
Before this, the DfT strongly encouraged authorities to submit voluntary draft applications by 19 June 2026. This was so the technical advisory body could provide feedback before the final deadline. Funding awards are expected in autumn 2026, with delivery reporting beginning from 1 April 2027. Funded schemes must be completed and reopened to traffic by 31 March 2030.
For final submissions, authorities must set out details including the condition of the structure, scheme costs, local contribution, strategic fit, delivery plans and economic benefits. Where two proposals are submitted, the authority must state which scheme is the first priority.
Why early procurement planning matters
A strong Structures Fund application is not only about proving the need for investment. It also needs to show that the scheme can be delivered effectively, commercially and within the required timescales.
This is where Procure Partnerships Framework can support local authorities preparing for infrastructure delivery. Our Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework is designed to help public sector organisations procure high-quality infrastructure works across bridges, structures and tunnels, highways and road maintenance, local transport improvements and civil engineering schemes.
We support authorities with early market engagement, contractor feedback and procurement route planning. The framework is Free To Access, with No Membership Fees, and we can provide market intel within 72 hours to help authorities understand supply chain appetite, delivery risks and route-to-market options.
Our NEC-accredited specialists also support clients throughout the project lifecycle, helping to advise on call-off routes, contract options, amendments, cost planning and performance management.
With DfT funding decisions expected in autumn 2026, now is the time for local authorities to prepare for what comes next. Whether your priority is a bridge, flyover, tunnel or road maintenance scheme, Procure Partnerships can help you move from funding opportunity to confident delivery.
