The government has confirmed Roads Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), a £27 billion programme covering England’s motorway and A-road network through to 2031.
A record £8.4 billion has been directed at renewals. That includes the resurfacing of more than 9,000 kilometres of motorway and A-road lanes, close to a quarter of the entire strategic road network.
The most significant opportunity for the sector lies in structural and reconstruction contracts. Confirmed projects include concrete road rebuilds on the M180 and A180, and bridge renewals on the M6 Lune Gorge and the M32 Eastville Viaduct.
These schemes typically require falsework, propping and specialist access, work that falls within the civil engineering offer of most established contractors.
Five major enhancement projects are due to start within the RIS3 period. They include the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine dualling and the Lower Thames Crossing.
A further 16 local authority-led road schemes have also been confirmed, covering bypasses, junction upgrades and new links across England.
National Highways Executive Director Elliot Shaw said the renewals focus “will keep people connected to their loved ones, support the delivery of new homes and jobs, and give industry the confidence to plan and invest in the UK.”
What this means for contractors
Unlike previous strategies, RIS3 shifts emphasis away from large new builds and towards maintenance and targeted upgrades. For contractors with civil engineering experience, the procurement window is opening now.
National Highways procurement channels and Tier 1 supply chain frameworks are the routes to watch as schemes progress to tender stage.
Source: Construction Enquirer
