An autonomous dump truck is being tested for the first time in England on the project. The vehicle – used to transport excavated soil – is programmed to follow a pre-determined route and has the capability to detect and avoid obstacles as it drives.

“We’re increasingly looking to technological advances to help us safely bring improvements to drivers on England’s motorways and major A roads,” said Highways England’s deputy project director Julian Lamb.

“Road construction has changed massively over the years and the testing of trucks such as this promises to allow us to work efficiently, speeding up roadworks, giving more protection to road workers, and moving jobs to other skilled areas.”

Autonomous construction vehicles have the potential to work around the clock and could help reduce the length of time roadworks are on the ground, Highways England adds. The technology is also expected to reduce the risk of road workers being involved in incidents on site.

Julian Lamb said the trial on the A14 would “enable the construction industry as a whole to be in a more informed position to make key decisions about autonomy on UK construction sites”.

It is thought that autonomous dump trucks could be in full operation on projects within three years. The A14 trial is being conducted alongside earthworks services supplier CA Blackwell using £150,000 from Highways England’s designated fund for innovation.

(Photograph: Highways England)