Highways UK | Nick Harris Confirms £25bn for Next Road Investment Strategy

National Highways chief executive Nick Harris used his keynote address at the Highways UK conference at Birmingham’s NEC (October 15–16) to announce a £25 billion funding commitment for the upcoming Third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), covering 2026–2031.

He said the allocation brings “confidence and clarity” to the industry’s direction over the next five years.

Harris outlined a shift in focus toward technology, data, and artificial intelligence to boost efficiency across the national road network. He also reaffirmed that the organisation remains fully committed to the Lower Thames Crossing—a major infrastructure project not included in the £25bn RIS3 funding. The project, he added, aims to cut construction-related carbon emissions by 70% and help address the industry’s ongoing skills and talent challenges.

“We’re going to be doing this with many of you in the room, and we’re doing it together with government. It’s a huge project, and everyone cares that we do this successfully,” Harris told attendees.

Speaking to a packed audience on the Keynote Stage, Harris said the future of road management lies in AI and edge computing rather than traditional monitoring systems. “Instead of sending CCTV data back to central processing hubs, it can be analysed directly on the network,” he explained. “That allows us to build far more resilient systems capable of many small, incremental improvements.”

Harris also discussed the progress of autonomous vehicle technology, sharing his experience riding in a Waymo taxi. “It’s the future,” he said, noting that data from Los Angeles and San Francisco shows automation has already led to reductions in insurance claims and collisions.

However, he cautioned that the transport sector’s ability to make the most of innovation depends on tackling its skills shortage. When asked what single action could unlock growth, Harris emphasized the need to focus on people rather than strategy.

“The big thing I always come back to is people. Creating great jobs and building a pipeline of new talent into this incredible industry is essential,” he said.

Addressing speculation about the Lower Thames Crossing’s governance, Harris dismissed reports that the Department for Transport had assumed control of the project. “National Highways are focused on delivering the Lower Thames Crossing,” he stated, adding that government oversight is normal for a project of such scale and importance.

He described the Crossing as a “pathfinder” for sustainable construction, aiming to set a new standard for carbon reduction in major infrastructure schemes. “Our goal of cutting emissions by more than 70% could redefine what’s possible in the sector,” he concluded.