What we are responsible for maintaining
The city's highway network comprises approximately 505km of highways, including 62km of A Roads, 35km of B and C Roads and 408km of unclassified roads. It also includes approximately 20,000 lighting assets including 16,000 lamp columns, 166 highway structures, footways, cycleways, traffic signals, drainage systems and other highway infrastructure.
Asset condition is monitored through inspections, condition surveys and performance monitoring undertaken through the Highways PFI contract, helping to identify when maintenance and renewal works are required and supporting a planned approach to maintaining the network over the long term.
The Council is also responsible for maintaining the M275 (North abutment of Tipner Lake Bridge to Rudmore roundabout), including four motorway structures: Tipner Lake Bridge, Tipner Interchange South, Tipner Interchange North and Rudmore Flyover.
Key Highway Assets
- Carriageways: 505km
- Footways: 834km
- Lighting: approximately 20,000 lighting assets including 16,000 lamp columns across the city
- Highway structures: 166 structures, including bridges, footbridges, retaining walls and subways
- Highway drainage assets: gullies, drainage networks and flood-risk infrastructure
- Traffic signals, signs and other highway electrical assets
Key maintenance challenges include the city's compact urban environment, high traffic volumes, ageing infrastructure, coastal exposure to salt corrosion, increasing climate-related flooding risks and the need to maintain asset performance as the Highways PFI contract approaches expiry in 2030. These factors directly influence maintenance delivery.
Coastal conditions can accelerate deterioration of structures, street lighting and highway electrical assets, requiring enhanced inspection and maintenance regimes. High traffic volumes and limited diversionary routes increase the complexity of maintenance works, often requiring careful traffic management and night-time working to minimise disruption.
Climate change is increasing the need for proactive drainage maintenance, flood resilience measures and targeted asset monitoring across the network. In addition, several non-PFI assets require separate lifecycle planning and investment arrangements.