Birmingham, 15 - 16 October 2025
Schedule
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Welcome to Highways UK
Keynote address from National Highways
Nick Harris, CEO of National Highways, will open Highways UK and deliver a keynote address sharing his vision for the future of the UK’s road network and the organisation’s strategic priorities. He outlines how National Highways plans to tackle challenges, seize new opportunities and support national growth through innovation and investment.
Keynote panel: Unlocking opportunity - how road investment can fuel the government’s growth agenda
This keynote panel explores how strategic investment in roads can be a powerful driver for the government’s growth agenda, unlocking opportunities across the economy. Panellists discuss the role of infrastructure in boosting productivity, connecting communities and supporting long-term national ambitions.
Keynote panel: A decade of roads reform – lessons learned, the impact of change, and the next steps for innovation
This session reflects on ten years of major change in the UK’s roads sector, exploring lessons learned and the impact on infrastructure, investment and policy. The discussion highlights how regulatory changes have shaped progress and what’s needed to drive further innovation and improvement in the decade ahead.
Connecting communities with the Lower Thames Crossing
As one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, the Lower Thames Crossing aims to transform connectivity across the southeast while tackling long-standing challenges around congestion and accessibility. In this session, Arcadis and the project team explore how thoughtful design and strategic engagement are helping to reconnect communities and deliver a legacy far beyond the road itself.
Driving safety forward: Ringway’s journey to autonomous IPVs
Phil Reid, Head of Innovation at Ringway, leads this session exploring the development of an Autonomous Impact Protection Vehicle (IPV) - a pioneering project funded by Innovate UK. Discover how the collaboration between Ringway, Colas, Fusion and TRL is setting new standards in roadworker safety and driving innovation across the highways sector.
Roads reform: A decade on – Reflections and next steps for National Highways
Elliot Shaw, Chief Customer Officer at National Highways, shares insights on how a decade of roads reform has reshaped the UK’s strategic road network. Hear his perspective on key achievements, ongoing challenges and what comes next as the sector looks towards the future of road infrastructure and customer experience.
The role of local authorities in shaping the future of transport networks
Local authorities are playing a pivotal role in redesigning transport networks to be smarter, greener and more connected. In this session, Simon Emery explores how place-based leadership, policy innovation and local partnerships are transforming the future of mobility.
Panel: Can we re-build nature and roads at the same time?
This panel will explore whether it's truly possible to re-build nature while building roads - challenging the idea that infrastructure and ecology must be in conflict. National Highways will lead the discussion, sharing forward-thinking approaches that position environmental restoration as a core part of roadbuilding, not just an add-on.
Women in Transport Panel: The role of diversity in decision-making – how to enhance outcomes through inclusive leadership
Women in Transport gathers senior leaders across the sector to discuss how diversity in decision-making can enhance outcomes for the industry. The panel explores the impact of inclusive leadership and shares practical steps to build a more equitable and effective transport sector.
Conference of European Directors of Roads Panel: Call 2022 – Data: Final Results
The CEDR research call from 2022 presents its results. Research areas included making more effective use of third party data (PRESORT), maintaining and sharing digital road infrastructure (DROIDS), and trust, integrity and authenticity in road applications (TIARA).
Panel: The future of asset management: Unlocking value across the UK’s road network
This panel explores how innovative asset management strategies are helping highways authorities optimise performance, extend asset life and deliver better value for road users. Hear from leading experts on the latest digital tools, data-driven approaches and lessons learned from successful programmes across the UK.
Smarter pipelines: improving standards and cutting costs and carbon in buried precast concrete
Based on years of research with the NBIF, the MPA will show how updating bedding class standards can deliver real cost and carbon savings for contractors. Discover practical examples and industry insight on driving efficiency and sustainability in buried precast concrete pipeline systems.
Panel: Strengthening collaboration across local, regional and strategic road network to create an connected network
This panel will explore how stronger collaboration between local, regional and strategic partners can unlock a truly connected national road network. Expect real-world examples, lessons on overcoming silos, and fresh ideas for delivering a smoother experience for road users across the country.
Panel: Devolution in action: Local leadership and the future of place-making
This session explores how devolved powers are giving local authorities greater control to shape thriving, resilient communities. Hear from leaders at the forefront of place making as they share lessons, challenges and bold ideas for delivering meaningful change on the ground.
The roadmap to zero harm
Discover how National Highways is driving its ambitious ‘Zero Harm’ mission, with Sheena Hague sharing bold strategies to eliminate serious injuries on the road network. This session unpacks the roadmap, leadership commitment and innovations transforming road safety across the UK.
Panel: Integrating road projects with the natural environment: Making infrastructure work in harmony with nature
This panel explores how modern road projects can be designed and delivered to support, rather than disrupt, the natural environment. Hear from experts on innovative approaches that protect habitats, boost biodiversity and create lasting environmental benefits alongside essential infrastructure.
A9 Dualling Programme: Progress, challenges and what’s next
This session offers the latest insights on the A9 Dualling Programme, one of Scotland’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects. Hear about key milestones, delivery challenges and the next steps for connecting communities and improving safety along this vital route.
Panel: Highways and artificial intelligence – separating fact from fiction
This session explores how AI is really being used across the highways sector, from asset management to traffic operations and customer experience. Panellists will cut through the buzzwords, sharing honest examples of what’s working, where the challenges are, and how AI could transform roads in the years ahead.
Advancing value frameworks for smart UK roads: Bridging traditional metrics with emerging digital technologies
Leveraging data and digital twins to reshape and better understand the needs of the network
The Greater Cambridge Partnership is using data and digital twins to transform how we model, manage and meet the evolving needs of the transport network. This session will explore how these tools are helping planners make smarter decisions, anticipate demand and create more resilient infrastructure for the future
Panel: Roads Research Alliance (RRA)
National Highways will showcase the Roads Research Alliance - a groundbreaking initiative bringing industry and academia together to tackle the biggest challenges facing the UK’s road network. This session will highlight how collaborative R&D is unlocking smarter, safer and more sustainable roads through innovation and long-term thinking
Collaborating for compliance: Tackling road risk through joint enforcement
This session explores how effective partnerships - from enforcement agencies to tech providers - are driving measurable improvements in local road safety. We’ll unpack how endorsable enforcement, data-driven risk analysis and collaborative strategy are transforming how we reduce harm and protect communities across the West Midlands.
Panel: The road to autonomy: trials, innovation and what comes next
This panel unpacks the latest progress on autonomous vehicles, from technology breakthroughs to real-world trials and regulatory shifts. Join sector leaders as they explore what’s next for AVs, and how the UK can position itself at the forefront of this transport revolution.
Retrofitting aging road infrastructure: What is the real cost of upgrading existing systems?
This session unpacks the true financial, technical and environmental costs of retrofitting the UK’s ageing road infrastructure. Join the discussion to explore real-world challenges, hidden expenses and what it takes to future-proof existing systems for the long term.
How National Highways’ Structures Moonshot is improving inspection of steel corrosion within concrete
This session explores how National Highways’ Structures Moonshot programme is reshaping the inspection and management of steel corrosion within concrete structures. Discover how pioneering technology and bold new methodologies are setting a higher bar for asset safety and resilience across the UK’s highways network.
Panel: Why equality matters for local highways services – lessons learnt from the LiveLabs 2 GreenPrint Project
The panel will showcase key lessons from the LiveLabs 2 GreenPrint Project, highlighting how a focus on equality can transform local highways services. Learn how inclusive approaches are driving better outcomes for communities and setting a new standard for innovation in the sector.
Delivering the 2030 water quality plan: Progress on pollution reduction at high-risk SRN sites
This session reviews the latest progress towards meeting the 2030 water quality targets across the strategic road network’s highest risk locations. Learn how targeted interventions, new technology and collaborative action are helping to tackle pollution and protect our water resources for the future.
Panel: Maximising asset lifespan: Innovations in road maintenance and prevention
This panel delves into the latest methods and technologies that are helping highways authorities extend the life of critical road assets. Discover how smarter maintenance, targeted repairs and proactive strategies are reducing costs, minimising disruption and delivering long-term value for the UK’s road network.
Breaking barriers: Making the road network accessible for all
Led by the Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, this session explores practical steps to make the UK road network fully accessible. Hear about the barriers still facing disabled road users and how new thinking, partnerships and technology can deliver inclusive journeys for all.
Carrot shaped stick - what is the best balance between gentle encouragement and firm enforcement?
Finding the right approach to behaviour change in transport is no easy feat. This session explores where gentle encouragement works best, when firmer enforcement is needed, and how to strike the ideal balance for real impact.
Going underground – the next steps for the Lower Thames Crossing
Dive into the future of the Lower Thames Crossing, as Peter Smith reveals the next big steps in delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. From tunnelling plans to environmental priorities, this session explores how the project is preparing to go underground and transform travel in the southeast.
Keynote panel: Driving digital and innovation: Transforming road infrastructure for the future
This session will spotlight the digital transformation underway across the UK’s road network, from intelligent transport systems to data-driven design and delivery. Panellists will share how new technologies and innovative thinking are reshaping infrastructure, boosting efficiency and setting the direction for the next decade of road investment.
Keynote panel: Building the workforce of tomorrow - attracting and retaining talent for a changing industry
This panel explores how the transport and infrastructure sectors can adapt to attract and keep top talent as the industry evolves. Discussion focuses on identifying future skill needs, supporting professional development, and creating workplaces that inspire the next generation.
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Keynote panel: Building resilient roads - strengthening infrastructure planning amidst a changing climate
This session focuses on how road networks can be designed and managed to withstand the growing risks from climate change, including heatwaves, flooding and warmer winters. Experts discuss practical strategies for adapting infrastructure and ensuring the UK’s roads stay reliable and resilient as weather patterns become more extreme.
Keynote panel: Working towards vision zero by uniting systems and strategies for road safety
This session explores how adopting a whole-system approach can drive meaningful reductions in road casualties, focusing on safer infrastructure, vehicles and user behaviour. Experts discuss integrated strategies that bring together policy, technology and community action to create safer journeys for all.
The future of tolls and road pricing: Are we ready for equitable, congestion-based pricing?
Stonehaven takes a closer look at the future of tolling and road pricing, examining whether the UK is ready to embrace congestion-based models that are both equitable and effective. This session will explore the commercial, political and public-readiness dimensions of shifting towards smarter, fairer ways to fund and manage our roads
How are mobility hubs connecting communities?
Mobility hubs are reshaping how people move by bringing together public transport, active travel and shared mobility in one place. This session explores how well-designed hubs are improving access, reducing car dependency and creating stronger, more connected communities.
Building a resilient UK network: preparing for a changing climate
Nick Goddard, Regional Director at Ringway, leads this timely session on strengthening resilience across the UK’s highways network. Drawing on real-world examples, the latest technology and independent evidence, he highlights the urgent need for investment and research to help the sector stay ahead of increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
Digital Lab: Geospatial.
Step inside the Digital Lab to discover how National Highways is harnessing geospatial data to transform the customer journey. From improving safety to optimising traffic flow, this session reveals how location intelligence is powering a more responsive and efficient road network
Panel: Optimising roads for freight - strengthening the backbone of supply chains
This session explores how an efficient and resilient road sector can unlock smoother, more reliable freight movement across the UK. Experts discuss ways to tackle bottlenecks, harness innovation and ensure the road network fully supports the needs of modern supply chains.
Innovative approaches to fix and prevent potholes Two-sentence
This session explores the latest solutions for tackling one of the UK’s most persistent road challenges – potholes. Hear how new materials, smarter technology and proactive maintenance are helping local authorities fix defects faster and stop them from forming in the first place
Panel: Waste less, achieve more: Driving productivity through smarter ways of working
This panel examines how reducing waste across road infrastructure projects can unlock higher productivity and better results for all stakeholders. Hear practical insights and fresh ideas for streamlining processes, cutting costs and delivering enhanced outcomes for the sector.
Safety, security and resilience: Cyber futures for the strategic road network.
As our roads get smarter, so do the threats. This session explores how collaboration across government, industry and academia is key to building cyber resilience into the UK's strategic road network. Discover why diverse skills and shared innovation are essential to keeping connected transport systems safe and secure.
Scream if you wanna go faster! How can we deliver outfall treatment schemes at pace?
Panel: Building resilience: Keeping the UK’s road network moving in times of disruption
This panel examines how highways authorities and operators are responding to an era of frequent and unpredictable disruption, from extreme weather to major incidents. Discover practical strategies and innovative solutions that are helping to maintain reliable operations and safeguard connectivity for all road users.
Emerging technology and the future of local highways: Navigating the road ahead
This session looks at how local authorities are adopting new technologies to transform the way they manage and maintain road networks. Join sector leaders as they discuss real-world successes, common hurdles and what’s needed to unlock the full potential of innovation in local highways.
Environmental Impact in the Infrasctructure Sector - How XNatura can Help Monitoring Nature
Transport and infrastructure projects are vital for economic growth but can significantly harm biodiversity through habitat loss and ecosystem disruption, making robust Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) essential. The XNatura platform supports this process by combining advanced monitoring tools and biodiversity indicators to help infrastructure stakeholders assess impacts and drive ecological restoration, as demonstrated in real-world case studies like Brebemi and Autostrade per l’Italia.
Planning for progress - shaping the future of the UK’s road network
National Highways shares how a strong planning agenda is essential for delivering effective and future-ready road projects across the strategic network. The session highlights the organisation’s latest priorities and innovations in planning, aiming to meet changing demands and ensure the network delivers long-term value for the UK.
Panel: How an optimised, integrated road network can promote healthier, more equitable communities
This panel examines how an optimised, integrated road network can unlock healthier and more equitable communities across the UK. Join experts as they discuss how better planning, joined-up transport and innovative design can support wellbeing, reduce inequalities and deliver real benefits for everyone.
Building smarter not working harder: Utilising digital twins for efficient project delivery
Unlocking innovation: Empowering local authorities to lead the way
This panel explores how local authorities can confidently adopt new technologies and approaches to tackle local challenges and deliver better services. Hear first-hand insights from those pioneering change, along with practical advice on overcoming barriers and making innovation stick.
Panel: Integrating carbon management and PAS 2080 principles to deliver net zero, nature-positive infrastructure
This panel explores how integrating carbon management and PAS 2080 principles can accelerate the delivery of net zero, nature-positive infrastructure. Hear from industry leaders on practical strategies, real-world examples and the benefits of aligning projects with sustainability goals from the outset.
Why TOPAS compliance is essential for the future of UK infrastructure
TOPAS compliance isn’t just a box to tick - it’s a foundation for smarter, safer infrastructure. This session unpacks why aligning with TOPAS standards is crucial for innovation, interoperability and the long-term reliability of UK roads.
H&W approach – How can this reach all corners of the sector?
National Highways shares its Health & Wellbeing approach and how it's supporting people across the organisation and beyond. This session asks what it will take to embed meaningful, inclusive wellbeing practices right across the sector - from site to boardroom
Panel: 5G and digital infrastructure - unlocking connectivity for tomorrow’s highways
This session explores how 5G technology is transforming the digital backbone of the UK’s transport networks, paving the way for smarter, more connected journeys. Experts discuss the practical steps, opportunities and partnerships needed to harness 5G and deliver resilient, future-proof infrastructure.
Adapting to changing mobility patterns: How local authorities are preparing for electric vehicles
With mobility patterns rapidly evolving, this session from the Transport Technology Forum explores how local authorities are gearing up for the electric vehicle transition. Hear practical examples, key challenges and forward-thinking solutions that are shaping the future of sustainable transport at the local level.
Driving autonomy: Preparing the SRN for for autonomous vehicles
Explore how autonomous vehicles will operate on UK strategic roads, drawing on National Highways’ work to determine how they can be safely and effectively accommodated.
Innovative materials shaping the future of construction and maintenance
Join UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Royal Academy of Engineering Associate Research Fellow Dr Alalea Kia for a deep dive into cutting-edge solutions for transforming the construction sector and tackling climate change. Drawing on award-winning research in cleantech, low-carbon materials, urban flood mitigation and sustainable drainage systems, this session explores how new technologies and cross-disciplinary approaches are paving the way for resilient, net zero infrastructure in the face of extreme weather and urban challenges.
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Highways UK 2025
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