April 1st marks end of costly, inefficient investment in roads, says ICE

Tomorrow (April 1st) marks day one of the reformed Highways Agency “Highways England”. The new Government owned company will take over responsibility for England’s strategic road network and as part of this, provide a longer term investment programme.

 

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Director General, Nick Baveystock, said: “Today marks the end of costly and inefficient ‘stop/ start’ investment in our road network, and the beginning of a multi-year investment plan geared to meet long term objectives for our roads, and ultimately benefit the economy by tackling congestion more effectively and creating new jobs and apprenticeships.

“The reforms do however bring some challenges. Industry needs to respond to the better certainty of demand by developing its people and capabilities. The changes also come on the cusp of a General Election. Whoever holds the keys to Number 10 come May should avoid tinkering with this hard won settlement – an investment that will reap social and economic benefits.”

ICE and other bodies have united to help industry prepare for the increase in workload.

Visit the Highways England website.

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