Highway maintenance
Road networks are the UK government’s single biggest financial asset. They are fundamental to the economic, social and environmental well-being of the communities they serve, whether at local or national strategic levels.
In 2019–20, £10.5bn was spent on local and strategic road networks in the UK. Of this:
- £8.5bn was on capital expenditure and
- £2bn was on resource or current expenditure.
Capital expenditure includes both new roads and improvements together with asset maintenance, such as resurfacing.
Resource or current expenditure supports the continued use of the asset, including winter maintenance, grass cutting, cleaning, drainage and inspections.
This section sets out the basics of highway maintenance and operating highways. It also covers collaborative delivery, procurement options and issues related to finance.
This section is maintained by Gary Thomas.
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