Scottish Borders Council’s updated Road Asset Management Plan has been published, setting out the authority’s long-term approach to maintaining and improving the region’s road network to support communities, the economy and the environment.

The plan outlines a clear, long-term approach to managing the Borders’ road network and related infrastructure, helping ensure that investment decisions are informed by data, risk, condition and best value. It shows how the Council balanced day-to-day maintenance needs with longer-term priorities such as resilience, safety, climate adaptation and service sustainability.

With around 3,000 kilometres of carriageway, 700 kilometres of footways and shared paths, approximately 1,200 road bridges, 19,000 lighting columns, approximately 28,000 road gullies and a wide range of other road assets to maintain, the report underlines the scale and complexity of the task Scottish Borders faces. It also highlights the importance of roads infrastructure in supporting access to homes, schools, businesses, healthcare, public services and tourism across the Scottish Borders.

The Plan highlights the extensive work already being carried out, covering inspections, repairs, winter maintenance, drainage management, bridge and structures work, street lighting maintenance, flood response, planned improvement programmes and ongoing engagement with local communities and road users. 

The report recognises that residents place a high value on issues such as pothole repairs, road condition, winter maintenance, drainage and safer roads for all users. It also reflects the wider challenges facing roads services, including ageing infrastructure, inflation, rising traffic pressures, climate change, flooding risk and the need to support net zero ambitions and biodiversity improvements across the area.

John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads and Public Space, said: 

“This plan shows that we are taking a responsible and forward-looking approach to managing our roads network across the Scottish Borders. Our roads are vital to daily life, connecting our communities, supporting businesses and helping people access work, education, healthcare and other essential services.

“The Road Asset Management Plan demonstrates the scale of the work involved and the commitment of our teams to maintaining and improving the network in a way that is focused on long-term benefit. It is also about making sure we use our resources wisely and continue to plan for any challenges ahead.”

(Picture: Mapillary)