Council challenges HE over toll “betrayal”
Officials at the East London council Havering has written to the Transport Secretary demanding Highways England reverse a decision not to offer its residents a discount on the future Lower Thames Crossing toll. The council says Highways England had previously promised the council that Havering residents would qualify for a reduction on the toll charge […]
HE uncovers 2,000 year old pothole repairs
Contractors working on the A1 upgrade in North Yorkshire have made discoveries which have led to a greater understanding of Roman life, including the fact they had to fix potholes on their roads. Highways England says the “illuminating” discoveries on the stretch between Leeming and Barton, focussed around Scotch Corner have been heralded by Historic […]
Work on M56 bridge repairs to finish four months early
Less traffic on the roads for the past few months has led to a bridge repair project on the M56 finishing almost four months early. Extra space was created around the project to double the size of the construction area by Highways England closing one lane in each direction over the Helsby Viaduct when traffic […]
Highways England to invest £114m for 150 road and maintenance projects across the East of England
Highways England is set to invest over £114 million into 150 road and maintenance schemes across the East of England it has been announced. The strategic network and major A roads including the M11, A14, A1, A47 and A12 will all benefit from the planned package of enhancements, with road resurfacing, bridge joint replacements, the […]
New footbridge over A46 is to be completed soon
The first week in August will see plans to swing into place a new 35.4 metre prefabricated footbridge over the A46. In April Highways England removed the old 128-tonne Glasshouse Wood footbridge, which links Kenilworth with Stoneleigh and Ashow, to make way for this newer, lighter model. The new footbridge has step-free access, making it […]
New guidance released as industry moves to 60mph in roadworks
Highways England has issued new guidance for its supply chain to support them using 60mph more often within roadworks, but only when it is safe to do so. After extensive and innovative research and trials, Highways England confirmed that where it is safe for road users and roadworkers, and where shown on road signs, vehicles […]
Highways England meets target for delivering major schemes making £1.4bn efficiency savings
Highways England has delivered the majority of its commitments and has made progress over Road Period 1 (2015-2020), making £1.4 billion in efficiency savings over the five years, according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The organisation has published its Annual Assessment of Highways England, in which it says Highways England made ‘significant […]
HE faces allegations smart motorways discriminate against disabled
Highways England is being accused of ignoring disabled drivers’ safety on smart motorways. The Daily Telegraph reports that disability campaigners are supporting a legal challenge claiming that removing the hard shoulder breaks the Equality Act by discriminating against disabled drivers. The report says numerous wheelchair users are “petrified” of breaking down because they would struggle […]
Highways England announces winners of technical framework
Highways England has announced that five consultants to have won places on its technical framework for regional delivery. Aecom, Atkins, Arup, Jacobs and a Capita Pell Frischmann joint venture will act as technical advisers to support the delivery of Highways England’s Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2). The consultants will have a role in advising and […]
More speed cameras for Orwell Bridge
Extra speed cameras are being added to the Orwell Bridge near Ipswich in Suffolk as part of Highways England’s plans to keep it open during periods of high winds. The Ipswich Star reports that HE briefed the local council’s security committee to confirm work to have a 40 mph limit in place when it’s very […]