STRATEGIC ROADS THEATRE
1. At the National Highways sessions, connect with leaders setting expectations for collaboration across the strategic road network.
2. Discover how they’re tackling challenges around quality, sustainability and smarter use of data.
3. Hear direct insights on the future priorities shaping the UK’s roads.
Supported by:
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 reform: listening to users, planning for the future
Join National Highways, ORR, Transport Focus and DfT for a lively discussion led by Steve Gooding on what a decade of reform has taught us about putting users first. This session will explore how listening to the travelling public is shaping smarter, more responsive infrastructure planning – and what needs to happen next.
Keynote: Lower Thames Crossing - a catalyst for stronger, more connected communities
The Lower Thames Crossing is the most ambitious UK road project in a generation - a transformative scheme set to add vital capacity across the Thames, ease pressure on the Dartford Crossing and drive regional growth. In this keynote, hear directly from the team behind the project as they share how this nationally significant infrastructure is being delivered to connect communities, boost resilience and support a greener, more efficient transport network for the future.
Delivering more for less in RIS3: From strategy to delivery
Jacobs explores how the Highways sector can deliver effectively in Road Investment Strategy 3 and beyond by aligning strategic priorities with smart delivery planning. Practical approaches are outlined for turning high-level policy into action - with a strong focus on innovation, efficiency and collaboration across the supply chain
Lower Thames Crossing - More than just a road
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.
Delivering social value
National Highways is embedding social value at the heart of its projects — from supporting local communities to creating opportunities for skills, employment, and environmental stewardship. In this session, Andrew Stephenson will explore how procurement strategies can drive meaningful change, deliver long-term benefits, and align with the UK’s sustainability goals.
Building the Future – Skills Development and Digital Learning in Highways
This engaging session introducesCIHT Learn, CIHT’s digital learning platform designed to support professionals working across the highways and transportation industry. Through interactive activities and practical demonstrations, attendees will gain insight into how CIHT Learn can support cost effective and easily accessible career progression, technical development, and sector-specific learning.
The session concludes with a look atfuture training needs of the sector, inviting your feedback to help shape our tailored content for 2026.
Join us to shape the future of learning in the highways sector
Resilient mindsets for resilient infrastructure
Resilience isn’t just about physical infrastructure — it’s also about the mindset that drives innovation, determination, and problem-solving under pressure. In this inspiring session, Tom Cox is joined by adventurer Mark Agnew to explore the lessons extreme exploration can offer for building and maintaining resilient infrastructure. Drawing on his record-setting journey kayaking the Northwest Passage and his experiences as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Mark will share strategies for overcoming obstacles, adapting to change, and thriving in challenging environments.
ADEPT Networking Hour
Come along to meet ADEPT 1stVice President Andrew Cook and CEO Hannah Bartram - ADEPT represents local authority highway directors across England. It delivers research such as the Live Labs 2 programme, seeks to influence policy and publishes challenge papers and guidance.
MCHW, standards and sustainability
Join Steve and Angela to learn what’s new in the recently-refreshed Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW). There will be a focus on using more sustainable materials in highways work.
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.
Keeping communities connected, how integrated transport is key to creating a people-centred transport system.
Led by Campaign for Better Transport, this session will explore how integrating active travel, bus and coach services can help create a seamless, sustainable transport network that truly serves communities. Using the National Highways 2024 plan as a foundation, the discussion will highlight the importance of joined-up thinking to meet local needs and promote greener, more accessible travel.
Conference of European Directors of Roads Panel: Data, Infrastructure, and Trust - Findings from CEDR’s 2022 Research Program
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).
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.
Highways Doughnut Toolkit: Rethinking roads for people and planet
The Highways Doughnut Toolkit, developed through the Wessex Live Lab and funded by the UK Department for Transport, is a practical framework that helps local authorities embed social and ecological considerations into highway maintenance. Rooted in Doughnut Economics, it includes strategic and project-level tools to align maintenance decisions with broader sustainability goals.
Panel: The future of bridge management – unlocking value, resilience and innovation across the UK’s road network
The new £1bn Structures Fund signals a turning point for bridge management in the UK, aiming to repair and future-proof thousands of ageing structures across the road network. This session will explore how the fund can unlock long-term value, resilience and innovation in the face of rising structural risks.
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.
Delivering an exceptional customer experience – how our network can be more inclusive, safe, seamless and accessible for end customers
Rachel Long, Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis and member of PIARC’s Technical Committee 1.1 on the Performance of Transport Administrations, brings a global perspective on delivering better outcomes for road users. Her presentation will explore how inclusive design and customer-focused strategies can shape safer, more accessible transport networks.
Measuring and reducing carbon in local highway
This session explores ADEPT’s Carbon Leadership Programme - a nationally coordinated initiative to help local highway authorities consistently measure and reduce carbon emissions from maintenance and operations. It will highlight how the programme is creating a shared evidence base, enabling targeted action and setting the standard for low-carbon delivery 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.
Enhancing quality through early engagement and collaboration
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.
Innovation on the move: UK highways in the digital age
This presentation explores how innovation is reshaping UK highways, with digital tools, AI and data-led planning improving how networks are maintained, renewed and operated. It also considers future opportunities for smarter delivery, climate resilience and how integrated expertise can support a more sustainable transport system.
Panel: How can devolution and planning empower local authorities to deliver 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
Road design challenges for the SRN in RIS3 and beyond
Delivering smoother journeys through real-time network insight
Discover how real-time data is being harnessed to improve the performance of the UK’s road network and reduce congestion. In this session, Jill Hayden from AtkinsRéalis and PIARC Technical Committee 2.4 will explore practical use cases, lessons learned, and the potential for data-led decision making to drive a more responsive, efficient and user-focused 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.
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.
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
The power of social value when thinking BIG (Building, innovation, growing)
This session from RBLI explores how embedding social value into infrastructure and innovation strategies can deliver lasting impact for people, communities and the economy. From inclusive employment to meaningful local engagement, discover how social value thinking can shape a stronger, more purpose-driven highways sector - and why it should be central to how we build, innovate and grow.
Retrofitting aging road infrastructure: What is the real cost of upgrading existing systems?
This session highlights the urgent need to identify and address risks to the UK’s ageing highway bridge infrastructure. Asset owners face immediate pressures to address the impact of structural deterioration and extreme weather events. Moving from reactive maintenance to a preventative, risk-based approach will reduce mounting financial, technical, and environmental costs.
Join us to explore the hidden challenges and what’s required to future-proof these vital systems—before it's too late.
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: Innovation in asset management - building the foundations for sustainable, high-quality infrastructure
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.
Satellite Applications - Catapult Panel
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.
National Highways’ new Supplier Delivery Framework.
SDF2 is the largest framework National Highways has ever tendered, valued at £14.5bn, and will be out to tender at the time of Highways UK. This session will outline the structure, objectives, and procurement approach of SDF2, explaining how it will drive collaboration, innovation, and value across the supply chain. Attendees will gain exclusive insight into upcoming opportunities, key expectations for suppliers, and the role of this record-breaking framework in delivering safer, more efficient, and sustainable road projects.
PIARC UK Emerging Professionals Network
Over the past year, the PIARC UK Emerging Professionals Network has grown significantly, bringing fresh perspectives to some of the industry’s biggest challenges and supporting knowledge sharing at global level. This session will highlight the group’s key achievements and the unmissable opportunity for public sector and local authority representatives to get involved. Join this session to share ideas, understand how you can get involved and help the sector innovate and adapt, ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges head-on
Data-driven transport: Scaling capability, governance and innovation across public networks
Hear how Transport for West Midlands is embedding robust data management principles, advancing its tech stack and exploring the role of AI to support smarter, more connected transport systems. This session will also share lessons from scaling its in-house Data Insight team and pioneering digital twin work to futureproof local mobility planning
Crown Commercials Service procurement support for local transport
Join Crown Commercial Service (CCS) for an informative session designed to help local authority professionals get the most from their procurement activity. Discover who CCS are, the broad range of categories and services we offer, and how we're applying the new procurement regulations to support the Highways and Transport sectors. Gain valuable insight into the sectors we work with and learn how our expertise can help you achieve better value, compliance, and outcomes.
CIHT and Arcadis Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Construction Sites Award
In this special session, the winner of the CIHT and Arcadis award will take to the stage to present their winning essay - a bold, imaginative take on the future of sustainable construction logistics. This is your opportunity to hear directly from a new voice in the sector - someone with fresh ideas and practical solutions that could help the industry cut carbon, reduce costs and improve efficiency. Expect a clear, compelling vision for change - and a challenge to all of us to think differently about how we move materials to and from site.
Asset Management: Back to basics – Rebuilding the foundation
Join Emily See, the President of LGTAG and Highways Market Director at Amey Consulting, as she guides us through a back‑to‑basics exploration of asset management in the highway infrastructure sector. Drawing on the heritage of the 2004 Framework for Highway Asset Management and the transformational programmes of 2013 and 2015, Emily calls on the sector to recommit to a comprehensive “fence‑to‑fence” approach – recognising the critical value of highways, drainage, streetlights, verges, road markings and more
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 Address
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.
How can policy and process change unlock infrastructure delivery?
Michael Dnes presents insights from Stonehaven’s latest research on why major infrastructure projects in the UK often stall before breaking ground. This session explores how the planning system became gridlocked, why past reforms have failed, and what it will take to streamline delivery and make ambitious infrastructure a reality.
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
Achieving climate resilience through technology and a data driven approach
Explore how cutting-edge digital tools and real-time data insights are helping infrastructure and mobility leaders anticipate, adapt to and recover from climate-related disruptions. This session will spotlight scalable innovations that turn climate risk into resilience strategy - from predictive analytics to intelligent asset management.
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.
Making electric easy: How to connect up EV charging infrastructure
Connected Places Catapult
Innovative approaches to fix and prevent potholes
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.
Will the National Highways Water Quality Plan deliver clean rivers?
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.
MRPro - tackling the burden of musculoskeletal ill-health in highways work
Musculoskeletal ill-health is one of the biggest challenges facing the highways workforce, leading to lost time, reduced productivity and long-term health impacts. This session explores how MRPro is helping the sector proactively identify risks, support early intervention and create safer, more sustainable working environments.
Driving better bus services: Insights from the Bus Centre of Excellence
The Bus Centre of Excellence is helping to transform local bus services by sharing best practice, building sector capability and connecting professionals across the UK. In this session, hear how the Centre is supporting authorities and operators to deliver more reliable, accessible and passenger-focused networks - and what’s next in its journey to raise the standard of bus provision nationwide.
Coordinating streetworks to minimise disruption and improve local journeys
Discover how the Greater London Authority and Thames Water are working together to improve the coordination of streetworks and minimise disruption for road users. This session will explore practical approaches to collaborative planning, data sharing and joint delivery, highlighting how strong partnerships can lead to smoother, more efficient outcomes on local roads.
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.
Building a future-ready talent network: connecting early careers and alumni across the highways sector
The future of the highways sector demands a new kind of collaboration, rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared purpose across the supply chain.
National Highways’Driving Futures / Alumninetwork is leading the charge, with a networking initiative that empowers early talent and alumni with visibility, voice, and influence - connecting them across the supply chain to drive meaningful change. Through a vibrant programme of webinars, networking events, and speaking opportunities, we’re building a connected, cross-industry community that supports career development and boosts retention, especially among those under 30.
Join National Highways, Turner & Townsend, PA Consulting, ACO Group, Arcadis, Kier, and Colas as we share what we’ve achieved, why it matters, what’s next—and how you can be part of it.
CIHT West Midlands Women’s Network
Join the CIHT West Midlands Women Network for an engaging and informal meet-up session at Highways UK 2025. This gathering is designed to bring together women and male allies working across the highways and transportation sector to connect, share experiences, and build lasting professional relationships.
This session is open to all professionals, women and allies interested in promoting diversity and inclusion within the highways sector. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned leader, your presence and perspective are valued.
Office of Rail and Road Annual Assessment
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
Panel: 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.
Seamless travel on networks
Showcasing the work that National Highways has been leading with Transport for Greater Manchester on end-to-end journeys across diff
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.
Information Management: it is time to focus on first principles
Discover how the IMI - led by nima and the Construction Leadership Council - is creating a consistent, sector-wide approach to data and information management that boosts productivity, cuts costs and improves quality across major infrastructure projects.
Home Safe & Well: Meeting our aspirations for a new road period
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
How asset management can support climate resilience
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.
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.
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.
Turning data into dividends: The CFO’s case for digital in highways
The highways sector faces unprecedented pressures: tighter budgets, increased regulatory demands, skills shortages, and rising expectations around safety, sustainability, and delivery speed. Traditional, paper-heavy workflows are no longer fit for purpose. To remain competitive and resilient, firms must embrace digital transformation, not as a buzzword, but as a strategic investment.
This session explores how highways contractors and asset managers can unlock value by digitising field operations, streamlining compliance, and improving data visibility across their projects. Drawing on real-world examples from across the industry, we’ll examine:
- The cost of inefficiency in highways workflows, and how to quantify the return on digital adoption
- Practical steps for integrating field management platforms to connect office and site teams
- How data-led decision making improves safety outcomes, sustainability reporting, and financial control
- Why firms that invest in digital now will be better equipped to navigate the UK’s future infrastructure demands
By rethinking how information flows through an organisation, highways firms can reduce risk, deliver more with less, and create a foundation for long-term growth.
Unveiling BSI Flex 2073: Technical Authors Insights on the Future of Hydrogen Dispensing Sites
Commissioned by the Department for Transport in support of the ZEHID initiative, BSI Flex 2073 is the UK’s first Code of Practice covering both mobile and static hydrogen refuelling sites for heavy-duty vehicles. Technical author Robin Futcher reveals how the standard’s engineering principles and real-world insights help operators navigate the UK’s complex hydrogen regulatory framework, manage risks, and future-proof their sites, enabling the rapid, safe deployment of hydrogen dispensing infrastructure.
From chaos to control: Orchestrating the future of UK roads
UK drivers lose countless hours in traffic each year, draining billions from the economy, and building more roads isn’t the answer. By creating a digital control tower that uses AI to connect existing systems, predict problems and coordinate traffic flow, we could cut congestion, save millions and finally get ahead of the problem.
Using human factors based safety diagnosis when place making in your community
PIARC
The near future is connected…. How Smart Infrastructure, V2X and Vehicle Messaging Systems Could improve our road network
National Highways’ work to determine how automated vehicles could be accommodated on the strategic road network
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.
Panel: 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.
Using digital twins and ITS to manage the network during major events
Major events bring both opportunity and challenge for transport networks — from surges in demand to complex security and operational requirements. This session explores how Connected Places Catapult and partners are harnessing digital twins and intelligent transport systems (ITS) to model, monitor, and manage networks in real time. Discover how these tools enable data-driven decision-making, scenario planning, and rapid response, ensuring safe, efficient, and resilient mobility during high-profile occasions.
Global Digital Approaches: AI & Innovation
Technology is changing the way we work, but are you ready, and what can be done? Bluebeam’s James Chambers will talk some key current challenges like, AI & cultural readiness, change management and discover some examples of lessons learned from Global practices.
Trends for Developing Your Career
This interactive session will share key training insights from the newCIHT Employment Trends Survey, with a focus on workforce development in the UK highways and transportation sector.
Explore howCIHT Learn, CIHT’s digital learning platform – addresses key insights from the recent trends survey. Discover how it supports structured onboarding, clear career progression, and accessible CPD for all. Learn how flexible, sector-focused training can enhance job satisfaction, improve staff retention, and increase productivity—without the burden of high costs.
Through practical demonstrations and real-world examples, you'll see how CIHT Learn can help build a skilled, motivated workforce ready to meet future challenges.
Join us to explore how CIHT Learn can transform training in your organisation and shape the future of learning in highways.
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Highways UK 2025
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Tom Morris
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