The head of England’s roads authority National Highways, chief executive Nick Harris, has said he is confident that the body will be able to deliver the projects it responsible for under the third road investment strategy (RIS3).
RIS3 has been discussed by MPs on the Transport Committee and officials from Nationals Highways.
Roads are currently funded through RIS2, but RIS3 is due to enter into force soon, with specific funding yet to be announced by government.
Many roads which have been proposed, have completed the planning process, or are under construction, will be funded via the next RIS period which will run from 2025 to 2030.
MPs raised concerns about National Highways record on completing road projects and asked whether it expects its performance to continue.
National Highways chief executive Nick Harris said: “As we progress with the conversation about RIS3 …we're looking at our resources and the capability we need for the next five years.
“But as we look at the portfolio and projects finishing, as we look at the portfolio and projects finishing, and where we are on the 17 that are in construction and ones that will start in the next 12 months, we are confident that we have the capacity to deliver all of those projects.”
NCE reported on the projects due to be worked on by National Highways under RIS3 in 2023. However, the National Audit Office has found that National Highways has over spent and under delivered on its RIS portfolio to date, while the Transport Committee has previously published findings that say that National Highways’ approach to the RIS periods has caused “confusion and uncertainty” among the industry and supply chain.
MPs also asked about whether National Highways envisages a shift in focus towards maintenance and renewals rather than enhancements and new roads.
“Yes, so with an ageing network with ageing assets, looking after what we have is incredibly important and it is the renewal and maintenance of the roads that we look after the provides the service every day,” said Harris.
He went on to say “We saw a very welcome shift from RIS1 into RIS2, so more focus on maintenance and renewal compared with enhancements.
“As we look forward to RIS3, we expect to see more of that trend. And [this is] not only because we have more ageing assets, but also we have more complex assets.”
The National Highways chief executive also said the plan for RIS3 regarding areas of work like pothole repairs is to “intervene before there are any sorts of restrictions necessary” such as bridge or road closures.
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