Increasing road works sparks gridlock warning

The UK is on the brink of gridlock due to rapid infrastructure upgrades, increasing road usage, and poor cross-industry collaboration, according to Causeway Technologies.

Data from Causeway’s digital road management platform, One Network, reveals a 42% increase in roadworks across the UK between 2019 and 2023, with over 203,000 miles of roadworks occurring last year alone.

A report developed in partnership with the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) highlights that, in addition to scheduled and emergency road maintenance, utility firm projects are rapidly increasing. This surge is driven by initiatives like Project Gigabit, asset upgrades, and water leak repairs.

Project Gigabit alone has led to a 108% increase in telecoms-related roadworks between 2019 and 2023. During the same period, electricity works have risen by 25%, and both water and gas works have increased by 8%.

The Department for Transport (DfT) predicts a 54% rise in road usage by 2060. Causeway’s research indicates that 72% of utility leaders and 62% of local highway authority (LHA) leaders believe the UK is heading for a road and street works crisis by 2030 without improved industry collaboration.

Challenges in planning, management, and communication, combined with the growing demand for road access, are contributing to inefficiencies in completing roadworks.