The government has announced the extension of the Live Labs 2 programme for another year.

It’s providing up to £300,000 to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials for repairing roads faster, more efficiently and far less often.

It explains these materials can unlock savings for the taxpayer, lower emissions and reduce disruptive roadworks long-term to keep drivers moving.

Angela Jones, President of ADEPT, which oversees the projects, said: “We warmly welcome the announcement that ADEPT’s sector-leading Live Labs 2 programme has been extended for an additional year. This is a huge acknowledgement and an encouraging boost to the groundbreaking work being undertaken by each of the projects, supported by the independent Commissioning Board.

“One of the guiding principles of the Live Labs 2 programme has been that the information and resources generated by the seven participating projects will be widely shared and communicated across the sector.

“The extension of the programme for another year will focus on sharing best practice, ensuring that the insights and innovations developed through the programme are communicated across the sector to accelerate the adoption of new solutions to establish new ways of working.

“This includes the uptake of longer-lasting, low carbon materials allowing LHAs to repair roads more quickly and efficiently and far less often.

“As highlighted within the government’s statement, ‘these materials can unlock savings for the taxpayer, lower emissions and reduce disruptive roadworks long-term to keep drivers moving.”

Projects include the installation of Clearview Solarlite road studs in the East Riding of Yorkshire (pictured).

(Picture – Highways News)