Adapting roads to withstand climate pressures

Environmental factors can affect asset condition, performance and resilience. These include:

• heavy rainfall 
• prolonged periods of heat
• freeze-thaw cycles
• storms and other extreme weather events

We've updated our asset management policy and strategy to reflect this

We've also identified a resilient network and agreed this with senior decision-makers. The resilient network was last updated in 2024.

We formally record locations that are repeatedly affected by extreme weather, including flooding, storms and other weather-related impacts.

To improve network resilience we currently use:

• targeted drainage upgrades and maintenance
• natural flood management and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
• targeted slope stability, ground stability and landslip mitigation measure

We have not implemented:

• heat-resilient materials or surface treatments
• tree planting or shading for heat management

We have measured and benchmarked greenhouse gas emissions from our highways maintenance service using a recognised industry standard.

We've also engaged with the DfT-funded ADEPT Live Labs 2 Programme. This is to understand how to improve operational efficiency and support decarbonisation across the service.

Evidence summary

We have measured greenhouse gas emissions for 2024 to 2025 and have processes in place to support carbon measurement, reporting and reduction across our highways service.

We have also taken part in Department for Transport-funded ADEPT programmes, including:

• the Carbon Leadership Programme
• Live Labs 2

These programmes help us identify and apply best practice in reducing carbon emissions. We will undertake a further Carbon Leadership Programme assessment during 2025 to 2026.

A key part of our approach is extending the life of highway assets through planned preventative maintenance. This helps us:

• reduce carbon emissions 
• improve network resilience 
• make the best use of resources 
• reduce the impacts of climate change on the highway network

More information about resilience activities

We take a risk-based approach to maintaining the highway network and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

A key part of this approach is our Resilient Road Network, which identifies the routes that are most important for keeping people and goods moving during severe weather and other disruptive events. The network connects with neighbouring authorities and National Highways routes, helping maintain access across the region.

We have also measured and benchmarked greenhouse gas emissions from highway maintenance activities and are committed to reducing carbon impacts through ongoing monitoring and improvement.

A further Carbon Leadership Programme assessment is planned for 2025 to 2026.

Planned preventative maintenance is central to our approach. By carrying out maintenance at the right time and prioritising investment on key routes, we can:

• extend the life of highway assets 
• reduce carbon emissions
• improve network resilience
• minimise disruption for road users
• reduce the impacts of climate change on the highway network