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Key dates in the history of the road network's development and National Highways. 43–410 AD The Romans build about 2,000 miles of road between towns and cities, initially for military purposes. Their roads, such as Fosse Way (Devon to Lincoln) and Watling Street (London to Shropshire), remained in use for centuries and the routes are still followed today. 18th century By the 1830s over 20,000 miles of road have been turnpiked and many surfaces improved thanks to the work of engineers like John…

Climate change and the strategic road network The challenge We must consider how the changing climate will affect our strategic road network - the 4,500 miles of motorways and major A-roads we manage including bridges, tunnels, drains and earthworks. The latest climate projections for the 2070s indicate that the UK may experience: Rainfall An increase in winter rainfall and more intense rainfall events in summer Temperature An increase in summer temperatures that may be between 0.9 and 5.…

ESDAL haulier user guide, code of practice for lighting and marking abnormal loads and guidance on moving abnormal loads by water In this section In this section: ESDAL haulier user guide Lighting and marking for abnormal loads Moving abnormal loads by water Preferred routes for high and heavy abnormal load movements Suggest a new route Location of abnormal load laybys More guidance from other government departments Includes: taking an abnormal load abroad using abnormally large or h…

In this section Our work isn't just about improving conditions for road users. Wherever we can, we take opportunities to connect people with amenities and each other. A63 Castle Street, Hull The existing at-grade layout of the A63 Castle Street carries 47,000 vehicles a day and is frequently congested. Our improvement will speed traffic by lowering the level of the A63, with split level junctions carrying traffic across it. But traffic isn't our only concern. We need to create easier ways fo…

A rare survivor from the heyday of the Edinburgh and Hawick Railway, this listed footbridge was closed for public use following safety concerns. A brighter future awaits it, thanks to our restoration work. Share this article Location: Galashiels, Scottish Borders Contractor: Balfour Beatty Open to the public? Yes Completion: Autumn 2023 History The railway opened in 1849 and formed the first part of the line from Edinburgh to Carlisle. Through Galashiels the line became known as the Waver…

Benton Bridge was constructed in 1903 and carries an unclassified road over the former Fairfield Loop branch line. Share this article Location: Ilford, London Open to the public? Yes Status: In development History Benton Bridge was constructed back in 1903 in Ilford, North London. Below, the bridge was used by trains on the Great Eastern Railway (GER) - connecting Ilford to Woodford. The GER built the line to foster suburban growth in Edwardian Ilford and Chigwell; the results were mixed. …

Published 05 Nov 2024 Find out how we’re getting on with our pioneering research project. Share this article In July 2024, we announced that we’d be working with Balfour Beatty and Edinburgh Napier University to understand more about the environmental importance of our sites – looking to change the way that brownfield sites (areas of land that were previously developed for industrial or commercial purposes) are assessed in future. Three months into the pioneering research project, we caught…

Find out more about the latest developments on the scheme In this section A686 eastbound closures - Friday 22 August The A686 eastbound between Kemplay roundabout and Carleton Underpass will be closed overnight (8pm - 6am) between Tuesday 26 August and Saturday 20 September.   We're installing a work access into land next to the north of the A686, next to the hospital, to perform utility diversions.  A signed diversion route will be in place. Please plan your journeys accordingly and allow …

Highlighting plants and wildlife that have found a habitat on our land In this section We can make use of our network of green land to: reconnect habitats reverse the decline in biodiversity help wildlife thrive across a wider landscape Here are pictures of some of the plants and animals found on our land - and the habitats we create for them.   1 / 8 Five Spot Burnet Moth Location: Yorkshire and North East The five spots on this moth's wings are a warning to predators, as it contains…

We're installing average speed cameras at four different locations in the North West region, on the A585, A590, A66 and A663. This is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the number of people harmed on the region’s roads Start date December 2024 End date March 2025 Cost TBC Overview Documents What we're doing A detailed safety review along four routes in the North West region highlighted a high percentage of collisions resulting in serious injury and death. Collisions have involved: …