The future of highways: AI’s role in transforming infrastructure

21/02/2025 | ELLIE SALICETTI

The future of highways: AI’s role in transforming infrastructure

Ellie Salicetti from field software provider FYLD discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) might influence the short to medium-term future of roads.

The UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan promises to harness AI to revolutionise public services, boost economic productivity and improve living standards.

As a critical element of UK infrastructure, highways has to be central to this vision. With AI’s potential to enhance road maintenance, minimise delays and improve safety, the sector has a part to play in a future where innovation drives better outcomes for the public and businesses alike.

However, turning ambition into impact requires more than aspirations. It demands robust, scalable solutions that can address the pressing challenges of today’s road networks while laying the groundwork for a smarter future.

The highway challenge: A system under pressure

Roads are the backbone of our economy and daily life. However, they face increasing strain.

A recent estimate put the cost of traffic congestion at £7.5bn annually in the UK.

Poor road conditions contribute to road safety issues, vehicle damage and rising public dissatisfaction. Addressing the current backlog would take over a decade and cost £16.3bn according to the 2024 ALARM survey (updated figures coming soon).

Asset holders often face challenges in maintaining accurate and comprehensive data about the state of their networks. The scale of the challenge is huge. National Highways reports that it has £60bn worth of digital assets.

These issues are exacerbated by limited budgets, ageing infrastructure and the challenges of co-ordinating across local authorities, contractors and stakeholders. Without smarter approaches, these problems will continue to get worse as traffic volumes grow.

AI’s promise for highways

The government's blueprint highlights several ways AI could transform road management:

  • Pothole detection: Cameras powered by AI could identify road damage before it worsens
  • Streamlined maintenance: AI-driven tools could accelerate planning, optimise resources, and reduce project timelines
  • National Data Library: Revolutionising decision-making and operational efficiency in highways with data-driven approaches, reducing congestion, improving maintenance, and increasing user satisfaction.

These advancements can reshape the way highways are maintained, delivering tangible economic and social benefits. Yet, the path from concept to implementation requires addressing significant gaps in strategy, such as public engagement, stakeholder coordination and measurable metrics of success.

Where the response falls short

While a positive step forward for the investment in AI, the Government response lacks an emphasis on urgency and specificity. Some key areas of further clarity required for the highways industry in particular include:

  • Actionable deployment of AI in road maintenance: While the Government highlights the potential of AI to detect potholes and improve road quality, rapid follow-up planning is fundamental to developing clear and actionable change.
  • Proactive vs reactive maintenance: The response prioritises reactive measures, such as addressing potholes after they occur, rather than adopting a proactive approach to tackle key industry challenges more effectively.
  • Co-ordination across stakeholders: The Government blueprint doesn't address the complexities of co-ordinating between local authorities, contractors and public stakeholders during AI implementation.

There is a pressing need for action and the sector could really benefit from a detailed roadmap for how it can deliver on the AI promise.

By ensuring robust collaboration, prioritising proven solutions; and maintaining an adaptive approach, the plan can position AI as a transformative force across sectors. With thoughtful implementation, AI can play a pivotal role in creating safer, smarter, and more sustainable road networks, benefiting both industry and society.

A smarter, safer future for highways

While pilot programs, as highlighted in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, are valuable for assessing the potential of emerging technologies, the highways industry already has access to proven AI solutions that deliver measurable benefits in safety, efficiency and cost reduction.

The focus should now shift toward rapid deployment of these tools to ensure innovation translates into tangible improvements without delay. By prioritising established technologies like FYLD's AI-powered platform, the industry can move beyond cautious experimentation and embrace a proactive approach to transforming road maintenance and infrastructure.

FYLD's AI-powered platform and smart workflows for instance address key challenges outlined in the government's plan, delivering real-time insights with actionable data, enabling proactive identification and triage of road damage and hazards.

It can also deliver AI-enabled workflows from initial detection to repair. FYLD can help deliver an 80% reduction in planning time, minimising job aborts and ensuring resources are used efficiently through real-time collaboration

Also, FYLD's AI-supported video risk assessments and remote manager visibility have seen 20% reductions in incidents and 85% cuts in service strikes, protecting workers and the public.

The Government's AI blueprint sets the stage for transformative change. By leveraging technology, highway authorities and contractors can move beyond traditional inefficiencies to build a smarter, safer, and more efficient network.

Highways magazine and FYLD are hosting a Symposium on Artificial Intelligence on 26th February. This Symposium will bring together key decision-makers and thought leaders in the highways and infrastructure sector to address what has become a critical industry challenge – making the most of revolutionary AI technology.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Network Engineer - WMF2169e

£45,091 - £46,142
This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the resilience and effectiveness of our highway network. Kendal,Penrith or Barrow
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2168e

£28,598 - £29,540
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a specialised area of highways operations while contributing directly Kendal, Penrith or Barrow
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW