Plans to turn Highways Agency into “Network Road”

The Government has launched a public consultation on plans to transform the Highways Agency.

The proposal will see the agency become a government-owned company along similar lines to Network Rail.

The new “Network Road” body will benefit from a long-term framework for infrastructure investment with guaranteed spending cycles.

Ministers hope to introduce the new company next year with a target saving of at least £2.6 bn over 10 years.

The Government said clearer funding pipelines “will also give confidence to suppliers over investment plans and future funding levels, enabling them to plan ahead, drive down costs and recruit and train the workers needed to deliver the increase in road projects over the coming years.”