Cumberland Council has updated its long-term strategy for managing and maintaining the county's highways network, helping to secure a significant element of future government funding for roads and transport infrastructure.
The refreshed Highways Asset Management Strategy 2026-2028 and accompanying Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) 2026-2028 have been reviewed and updated to guide how the council plans, prioritises and delivers highway maintenance across Cumberland over the coming years.
The documents were presented to Cumberland Council's Highways and Transport Strategic Board and set out a risk-based approach to maintaining the highway network, ensuring investment is targeted where it can deliver the greatest benefit for residents, businesses and communities.
A key benefit of publishing the updated strategy and plan is that it helps secure part of the Department for Transport's highways maintenance incentive funding. The report states that the total incentive funding allocation is £7.353 million, with publication of the updated documents accounting for 12.5% of that allocation, approximately £919,000.
The strategy supports Cumberland Council's wider ambitions for economic growth, safer communities and sustainable transport by helping to ensure roads, bridges, footways and other highway assets are managed effectively and maintained for the long term. It also aims to maximise the value of available investment through better planning, improved asset management and the adoption of national best practice.
The updated approach aligns with the Department for Transport's Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice and has been developed with support from an independent consultant working alongside the council's highways service.
Karl Melville, Cumberland Council’s Assistant Director for Highways & Transport, said:
"Our highways network is one of the council's most valuable assets, supporting residents, businesses, visitors and communities every day."
"This updated strategy provides a clear framework for how we manage and maintain that network, helping us target investment effectively, make the best use of available funding and plan for the future."
"Importantly, it also helps secure vital government funding that supports the maintenance and improvement of roads and other highway infrastructure across Cumberland."
The refreshed strategy covers the period 2026-2028 and will support the council's ongoing work to maintain a safe, reliable and resilient highway network while ensuring investment decisions are led by evidence, risk and long-term value
For more information, residents can view the Board papers on Cumberland Council's website.