REA reports increase in surface dressing for the first time in 12 years
The Road Emulsion Association (REA) has reported an increase in the manufacturing, sale, and use of bitumen emulsions for surface dressing for the first time in 12 years. Figures collected by the REA, a trade association which represents all the UK bitumen emulsion manufacturers, signify green shoots of recovery. Circa 38.5 million m2 of surface […]
Warwickshire County Council’s issues guidance to residents on how to manage potholes
As we enter the colder months, Warwickshire County Council has invited residents to join in the fight against potholes. Potholes form as a natural result of traffic, water, and surface wear. When rainwater seeps into cracks in the road, it freezes and expands, breaking the road surface under the pressure of passing vehicles. Warwickshire County […]
Driving forward improvements to roads across West Northants
Motorists across West Northamptonshire are seeing an increase in pothole repairs and road resurfacing schemes, enhanced by additional funding as part of the Highway Investment Programme. In July of this year, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) approved an additional £10 million to extend resurfacing, maintenance, and local infrastructure improvements. Since then, a variety of works, have […]
A Q&A with digital construction solutions provider Q Point
With digital construction progressing significantly in the highways and transport sector, Highways News spoke to one of the company’s offering solutions to help road operators move into the digital space effectively and efficiently. Highways News: For our readers who might be unfamiliar with Q Point, can you please give us an overview of the company […]
Report highlights Shropshire Council’s success because of new approach to highways maintenance
Shropshire Council’s latest statistics have shown that the average cost to the council of repairing a pothole has fallen by 66% in the past four years, and is now below the national average – as well as a big fall in the number of defects on A and B roads. The figures are revealed in […]
Council pothole compensation claims double in a year
Pothole compensation claims submitted to 18 local authorities with the longest road networks in Britain more than doubled in the 12 months between 2022 and 2023 from 8,327 to 20,432, new data analysed by the RAC has revealed. A Freedom of Information request to 21 councils – covering nearly 92,200 miles of local roads – […]
Road workers told by abusers: “I’ll get my shotgun”
A council leader has revealed some of the threats and abuse workers receive while repairing roads. The leader of West Sussex County Council, Paul Marshall, said police were called after one resident threatened to get a shotgun if engineers closed a road to remove a fallen tree. Speaking to BBC Sussex he said staff now […]
Council shares highways investment by area board – and why its extra investment into highways is paying dividends
Wiltshire Council has shared details of highways investment over the past five years in each of its 18 area boards. Wiltshire Council has shared details of highways investment over the past five years in each of its 18 area boards. The report, discussed at this week’s Environmental Select Committee (Tuesday 12 November), explains that the […]
Aggregate Industries nears finish line for 100% recycled asphalt
Aggregate Industries is continuing to further its sustainability efforts with new advancements towards achieving 100% recycled asphalt. New circular economy records have been set with the business’ Asphalt division’s work to repurpose recycled aggregate materials into a new surfacing material for roads and pavements, with zero compromise on quality and product performance. The team is […]
Opinion: How to build a strong foundation for asset investment planning
By: Nick Vague, Senior Solutions Consultant, Brightly Software Asset investment planning (AIP) is more than a buzzword. It’s an approach that empowers local authorities to transition from reactive to proactive asset management. Why is this important? As it stands, UK councils face the complex challenge of managing a diverse range of assets within their boroughs […]