CIHT has welcomed the publication of the Government’s Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031, which sets out priorities and investment for England’s strategic road network over the next five years.

CIHT particularly welcomes the certainty provided by a clearly defined five-year pipeline of work, which gives the highways and transportation sector greater confidence to plan, invest and deliver more efficiently over the long term.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“The publication of Road Investment Strategy 3 is a decisive step forward for the highways sector. A clearly defined five-year pipeline will hopefully provide the certainty the industry has long needed to plan properly, invest with confidence and retain the skills required to deliver.”

“CIHT has consistently called for long-term, stable funding to move away from stop-start delivery and achieve better value for money. RIS3 should now provide a more predictable framework – and it is essential that government, National Highways and the supply chain work together to turn this certainty into timely delivery. The focus must now be on maintaining momentum, providing clarity on programmes, and ensuring the strategy is delivered in full for the benefit of road users and the wider economy.”

RIS3 sets out how Government intends to invest in, operate, maintain, renew and improve England’s motorways and major A roads between April 2026 and March 2031. The strategy provides long-term visibility for industry, clients and supply chains, supporting improved programme planning, skills development and more effective delivery.

CIHT has consistently called for stable, long-term funding settlements to replace short-term or stop-start investment approaches, which can undermine value for money, workforce retention and supply-chain resilience. The publication of RIS3 responds to these long-standing calls by establishing a more predictable framework for the sector.

RIS3’s emphasis on maintaining and renewing existing assets, alongside targeted enhancements, aligns closely with CIHT’s long-standing priorities. The Institution has repeatedly highlighted the importance of focusing on the condition, resilience and performance of the existing network while ensuring infrastructure investment supports economic growth, connectivity and road user needs.

CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the Department for Transport, National Highways and industry partners to support the effective delivery of RIS3 and to help ensure the strategy delivers long-term benefits for road users, communities and the wider economy.

More detailed analysis of the detail in RIS 3 will be published by CIHT shortly.

Further Information

• CIHT has consistently called for long-term funding certainty for transport infrastructure, including through its policy paper ‘Unlocking the benefits of long-term funding for local roads’.
• CIHT also responded to the RIS3 consultation, welcoming longer-term planning while emphasising deliverability, maintenance, resilience and lessons learned from previous Road Investment Strategies.
• CIHT continues to advocate for a balanced approach to investment, with a strong focus on maintaining and renewing existing assets while supporting economic growth, safety and resilience.