An updated version of the seminal document in highways maintenance, the Well-managed Highway Infrastructure code of practice, has been released for consultation by the UK Roads Leadership Group (UKRLG) following a major review process.
The national code has been the cornerstone of highway asset management across the UK since it first came out a decade ago.
'In the years since, the sector has evolved significantly in terms of policy, funding pressures, ageing infrastructure and public expectation. There has been a growing recognition that the Code, while still fundamentally sound, needed to be refreshed to remain relevant and useful to practitioners,' the URLG said.
'This is not a wholesale rewrite of the Code. It is a structured review and update. The risk-based approach introduced in June 2016 remains central and has been retained. It continues to provide the right balance between consistency and local flexibility across diverse highway networks. The engagement to date has included strong input from the risk, legal and insurance community, alongside practitioners, helping to ensure the approach remains robust and defensible.'
However, the document also appears to put a greater emphasis on data analysis to create a wider understanding of risk, predictive analysis and the task of managing an interconnected, climate-exposed infrastructure system under uncertainty.
There are new sections on issues like AI and a new Part E covering tunnels is also being developed by a dedicated specialist working group. This work is progressing in parallel and will be incorporated into the final version of the code.
The format of the Code is evolving and will be supported by a digital platform, improving accessibility and navigation. Alongside this, a series of quick guides is being developed to communicate key messages in an accessible way for a wider audience, including elected members and non-technical stakeholders.
There are also plans to allow specific elements of the code to be updated over time. As part of the broader UKRLG commitment to knowledge sharing and supporting practitioners, examples of good practice, case studies, tools and templates will be made available through the new UKRLG website.
Representatives from UKRLG serving on the steering group for this project said: 'The updated Code builds on a strong and widely adopted foundation. It retains the core principles that have supported the sector over the past decade, while improving clarity, strengthening key areas and making the guidance more accessible.
'The consultation now provides an opportunity for practitioners to help shape the final version before publication later this year. We invite you to take some time to read the draft and provide your feedback. The long-term value of the Code will depend on continued engagement from across the sector and its application in practice.'
A wider programme
The review of the Code is 'best seen as the first phase of a wider programme' the UKRLG said, acknowledging that 'related guidance documents across the sector will benefit from review and update'.
This includes areas such as existing asset management guidance, 'where there is a clear appetite for refresh'.
These elements will be considered as part of a second phase, with priorities shaped by sector need and available funding.
The work to update the code has been underway since last Summer. It has been led by the Department for Transport and supported by AtkinsRéalis, with oversight from a steering group representing UKRLG boards, the devolved administrations and key national stakeholders.
Practitioner working groups have also played a central role throughout, ensuring the updated Code reflects current practice as well as policy direction.
