According to the 2025 ALARM Survey by the Asphalt Industry Alliance, the one‑off cost to restore local roads in England and Wales stands at £16.81 billion—the highest in decades—with roughly 52 percent of the network having less than 15 years structural life, and one‑in‑six miles with under five Councils reported filling 1.9 million potholes using £137 million in 2024–25, yet 65 percent flagged the state of roads is declining.
This chronic backlog is rooted in short‑term funding strategies: local roads in England and Wales are resurfaced only once every 93 years on average. In response, the Department for Transport has allocated a £1.6 billion highways maintenance fund for 2025–26, a £500 million uplift, contingent upon local authorities delivering measurable transparency and long‑term asset planning. This links funding to accountability and resilience.
Innovation is stepping in to help. Swansea University and Kings College London have developed self‑healing asphalt that embeds plant‑spore capsules containing recycled oils. When traffic compresses small cracks, these capsules release oil, sealing damage in under an hour and extending surface life by up to 30 percent. National Highways is supporting development and trial phases.
Sector bodies are reinforcing this strategic shift. ADEPT’s Live Labs 2 Site Expo took place on 25 March showcasing low‑carbon materials and delivery pilots. Upcoming webinars - LCRIG’s Reimagining Roads on 10 June and ADEPT’s Devolution in Highways and Transport on 12 June—will spotlight how local authorities can integrate funding, innovation, and procurement policies.
Together, policy, finance and innovation align: a £1.6 billion funding package, conditional long‑term asset requirements, and pioneering materials that address keep‑patch‑and‑reseal cycles. The moment for local highway transformation has arrived. Councils now face the task of embedding asset management, transparency, and smart procurement into their frameworks—delivering better value and durability for local communities.
