Civils contractors today said that the Government must maintain its focus on roads maintenance and investment if it is to ensure the network can sustain economic growth.
Responding to National Highways’ publication today of its Strategic Road Network Initial Report 2025-2030, which sets out proposals intended to advise Government on the needs of the Strategic Road Network for the third road period, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) highlighted that planned investments must be delivered in full to ensure this key national asset is fit for purpose.
Commenting, CECA Director of Operations Marie-Claude Hemming said: “These proposals, which focus on both maintenance, renewals and delivering existing planned schemes, are a positive step towards ensuring the road network can sustain projected demand.
“Provided the current pipeline of schemes is delivered in full and is complemented by the finalisation and delivery of the next wave of Route Based Strategies these plans will improve the condition of England’s roads, improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians, and boost much-needed economic growth.
“An under-resourced roads network will only cost the UK economy billions of pounds a year in lost productivity, increased fuel use, and missed opportunities for economic and social growth.
“That’s why we are calling on the Government to clearly and unambiguously commit to the level of investment necessary to support the projected needs of communities and businesses while transitioning to a carbon neutral economy.
“CECA members have the skills and resources to deliver world-class road infrastructure projects on time and on budget, provided they have the certainty to direct investment and skills accordingly.
“At a time at which other major infrastructure investments have been thrown into doubt by economic uncertainty, it is essential that Government and industry work together to ensure the third road investment period is a success in building a better future for the nation’s roads and road users.”
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