Research fund to speed-up road works

A £1m research fund has been launched to develop new technology to reduce the disruption caused by road works.

The money will fund an 18-month project by the Transport Research Laboratory to examine innovative engineering techniques which could see utilities use temporary road surfacing methods and fast-setting replacement road surfaces.

New materials would allow utility companies to carry out work at quieter times and re-open roads during peak traffic periods to reduce delays and disruption.

Funding will be provided equally by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL).

Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond, said: "Everyone knows how frustrating the delays caused by road works can be, which is why we want utilities and local authorities to be able to make the most of the technology available to help keep disruption to a minimum.

"This project will investigate how innovative engineering can provide greater flexibility and allow more road works to be carried out at times when the travelling public will be least inconvenienced.

"By using technology to its full effect, as well as making sure that local authorities across the country have the powers they need, I hope that we can see fewer needless jams caused by road works."