Investing in the future of Warwickshire’s roads
Highway maintenance is essential to the UK's transport infrastructure strategy. It keeps our roads safe, efficient, and sustainable, helping to drive economic growth, achieve environmental goals, and enhance community wellbeing.
We want Warwickshire to have a thriving economy with the right jobs, skills, education, and infrastructure. We want to be a county where all people can live their best lives; where communities and individuals are supported to live safely, healthily, happily and independently. We want to be a county with a sustainable future which means adapting to and mitigating climate change and meeting net zero commitments.
Providing a transport network that is fit for purpose, well-connected, in good condition, utilises green technology, and is safe for users is fundamental to us achieving this.
A shared responsibility
Funding for highway maintenance in Warwickshire is a collaborative effort between central government and Warwickshire County Council. This partnership ensures that both long-term infrastructure improvements and essential day-to-day services are delivered effectively.
Central Government (Capital) allocates annual capital funding through the Department for Transport, facilitating long term asset renewal projects and the replacement of highway infrastructure.
Warwickshire County Council (Revenue) manages operational budgets funded through council tax, business rates, and government grants to maintain service delivery and respond to local needs. This revenue funding ensures the network remains safe and functional on a day to day basis.
The level of highway maintenance funding varies year-on-year and is confirmed as part of the Warwickshire County Council budget setting process, approved at Full Council typically in February.
Capital investment
Capital funding supports strategic, long-term improvements that enhance the value and lifespan of our highway assets. Examples include:
- Drainage - We repair broken pipes and install new drainage systems where more cost effective. This ensures the long term functionality and resilience of our drainage infrastructure, preventing water damage and maintaining road safety and integrity.
- Roads and footways - We carry out large-scale resurfacing, reconstruction and patching to maintain the quality of our roads and footways. Additionally, we perform permanent smaller-scale repairs, such as first-time fix potholes. We adopt a 'prevention is better than cure’ approach, and proactively identify and implement repairs that will extend the lifespan of our carriageways and footways, including techniques like surface dressing.
- Signs and barriers - We repair old or damaged road signs and posts, pedestrian barriers, and vehicle restraint systems. This ensures the durability and effectiveness of these assets, thereby enhancing road safety and providing clear, reliable guidance to all road users.
- Street lighting - Replacing columns and upgrading lanterns, ensures the reliability and efficiency of our street lighting infrastructure, enhancing visibility and safety for all road users.
- Structures - Comprehensive repairs and upgrades to extend the lifespan of our bridges and structures, including structural reinforcement, waterproofing and deck replacement. We undertake complete replacement of aging or structurally deficient bridges to ensure safety and reliability.
- Traffic signals - Replacing outdated traffic signal equipment with modern, energy efficient signals and advanced control systems to improve reliability and reduce energy consumption.
Revenue funding
Revenue funding supports essential day to day maintenance and operational activities for highway infrastructure, including regular, ongoing tasks necessary to maintain the highway network. Examples include:
- Emergency attendance - Upholding highway safety by performing emergency repairs when necessary, such as high-risk pothole repairs. Whilst temporary repairs may be carried out initially, permanent fixes will be programmed for a later date.
- Minor repairs - Handling small-scale problems, including damaged signs and barriers that may just require a little maintenance such as cleaning or adjusting, rather than full replacement.
- Reactive repairs: Addressing damage such as potholes, trip hazards, broken slabs, and other wear and tear-related issues, reported to us by the public or identified during our own highway inspections.
- Routine maintenance - Regular upkeep of roads, footways, bridges, and other structures to ensure safety and functionality. This includes tasks such as cleaning drainage systems, cutting grass, and conducting regular safety inspections to identify potential issues.
- Street lighting - Maintaining and repairing street lights to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Traffic management - Implementing measures to manage traffic flow and enhance road safety, including the maintenance of traffic signals such as replacing bulbs or malfunctioning LED’s.
- Winter maintenance - Removing snow and ice from roads during winter to ensure safe travel and applying salt to prevent ice formation.
Why it matters
Investing in highway maintenance is about more than just fixing roads, it's about building stronger, more connected communities and a resilient future for Warwickshire. Here's why it matters:
- Climate resilience - As extreme weather events become more frequent, proactive maintenance strengthens infrastructure to withstand flooding, heat, and other climate related challenges.
- Community connectivity - Roads are lifelines for rural and urban communities alike. Maintenance ensures access to essential services, education, and employment.
- Economic growth - Reliable road networks reduce congestion and travel time, supporting local businesses, logistics, and productivity across Warwickshire.
- Environmental benefits - Smoother traffic flow and fewer delays mean lower emissions. Encouraging walking and cycling through better infrastructure also supports cleaner, greener travel.
- Preventative maintenance - Preventative maintenance is significantly more cost-effective than emergency repairs, optimising the use of public funds. By addressing potential issues early on, we can reduce the likelihood of more significant and costly problems in the future, embodying the principle that prevention is better than cure.
- Public safety - Well-maintained roads, signage, and lighting reduce accidents and hazards, protecting drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.