Purpose

The purpose of this report is for Members to note and approve the attached highways work programmes which are proposed to take place during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

Decision

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods which sought approval of the Highways Work Programmes for 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years. The programmes included the two year local transport plan (LTP) funded carriageway and footway capital programme and the two year bridges and structures LTP funded capital maintenance programme.

The Senior Highways Officer (Strategy) was in attendance to present the report and to answer the questions of the Committee.

Resolved that the proposed work programmes to be delivered in 2024/25 and 2025/26 be noted and approved.

Reasons for decision:

The schemes that have been selected have been put together based on the principles of asset management which use network condition data, engineer inspections, life cycle planning and cost efficiency to produce the most efficient highway improvement over the course of the programmes. Using Asset management techniques for scheme selection ensures that we are in line with recommendations from the Department for Transport (DfT) enables us to continue to receive the full funding allocation from the DfT incentive fund scheme. Authorities that are deemed not to be carrying out efficient highway improvements can have funding reduced.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

No alternatives have been considered. The programme has been developed according to DfT guidance and in line with other GM Authorities. However, members should note that in addition to the LTP programme there is the steady state programme of works worth approximately £3.2m annually over 5 years which may include schemes not identified in this proposed programme.