Highways England unveils multi-million pound initiative to revitalise ageing concrete roads

Highways England has announced two contracts worth £285 million to upgrade the concrete surface of roads across the country.

Concrete roads make up almost 400 miles (4%) of England’s motorway and major A-road network. Mostly found along the eastern side of the country, in the North East, Yorkshire, East Anglia and the South East, there are also some smaller stretches in other parts of England.

They were built largely in the 1960s and 1970s, at the time of the Swinging Sixties and when The Beatles were at their peak. Traffic volumes were half of what they are today, colour TV was only just beginning, and mass ownership of mobile phones was still more than 20 years away.

Over the next five years, Highways England will work with leading engineering and construction companies Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, John Sisk & Son, VolkerFitzpatrick, Colas Ltd, Dyer & Butler and Tarmac on a long-term programme to repair or replace the concrete surface of motorways or major A roads in England.

The programme is part of Highways England’s nationwide drive to revitalise concrete roads in England. Up to £400 million will be invested over the next five years to 2025. This is part of our commitment the Government’s second Road Investment Strategy published last year to maintain and renew the strategic road network.

Martin Fellows, Highways England Regional Director, said: “Concrete roads have served the country well since they were first built half a century ago. They have proved tough and durable over the years, helping every day for work journeys and home deliveries, visits to friends and family, holidays, and the movement of the goods and services that we all depend on.

“This is the biggest concrete road renewals programme we have ever embarked on and we’re pleased to have awarded the final two contracts that will help us deliver the maximum benefits of safe, reliable and smooth journeys for many years to come.”