Condition of local transport networks has been described as half way between 'at risk' and 'unfit for purpose'.

The Institution of Civil Engineers' 'State of the Nation' infrastructure report published last Thursday awarded a 'D Minus' score to local transport. Four years ago the report gave local transport a grade D.

At best the score of D Minus indicates that infrastructure is below standard and poorly maintained (grade D) and that it borders on unacceptable (grade E).

The report urges Government and local authorities to establish a more ambitious programme to clear the highway repair backlog and commit to more planned and preventative maintenance.

It added that Government may have to accept measures such as reduced speed limits on local roads if it does not provide sufficient investment in maintenance.

CIHT's Director of Policy & Technical Affairs Andrew Hugill said: “Local transport networks are vital to the economic and social wellbeing of the country and CIHT will continue to make the case for them to be improved from their current position as outlined in 'State of the Nation'."

Strategic transport faired rather better in the report, achieving a grade B which indicated that strategies for major roads, rail and airport capacity were 'adequate for now'.

Other sectors ranked by the infrastructure report were Water (grade B, unchanged since 2010), Waste (grade C Plus, up from grade C in 2010), Energy (grade C Minus, up from grade D in 2010) and Flood management (grade C Minus, down from grade C in 2010).

To return to the newsletter, please close this window.