Capital Programme
Our Highways Team is dedicated to maintaining and improving the road network in Central Bedfordshire. We manage over 1,400 kilometres of roads, 220 bridges, and other essential infrastructure to keep the region’s roads safe, efficient, and functional for all users.
Our Capital Programme focuses on large-scale, data-driven projects, from major repairs to new road safety initiatives. We also continue to carry out reactive repairs, emergency work, and smaller improvements to ensure roads remain in good condition throughout the year.
Data-driven Capital Programme
We’ve transitioned to a more strategic Capital Programme that’s guided by data. Using an asset management approach, we collect and analyse information on the condition of our roads and infrastructure. This helps us make informed decisions on where to focus our efforts, ensuring we prioritise the most important repairs and improvements. By doing this, we can make the best use of our resources, rather than relying on anecdotal feedback. This way, we’re able to schedule and carry out the work that will have the biggest impact.
Evolution to a three-year plan
In the past, we primarily planned for annual schemes. However, thanks to progress in our data collection and analysis, we are now developing a three-year capital programme. This longer-term view helps us better anticipate future needs, allowing for the development of projects that require more time to plan and execute. Our improved data knowledge enables us to create a more accurate, forward-looking programme that helps us stay proactive, not reactive.
Types of work in the Capital Programme
The Capital Programme includes a range of maintenance and improvement activities, from basic repairs to large-scale developments:
- structural maintenance: we focus on repairs to road surfaces and structures that are no longer able to support the traffic loads they are subject to
- drainage: projects aimed at improving or replacing drainage systems, ensuring roads stay safe and functional in all weather conditions
- street lighting: upgrades to improve visibility and safety on our network
- bridges and structures: ensuring that bridges and other infrastructure remain sound and safe.
- road safety: measures to reduce the risk of accidents, such as improving road layout, markings and signage, as well as increased education
- integrated transport: projects designed to improve how different types of transport (cars, buses, trains, etc.) connect with each other, making travel more efficient and accessible
- walking and cycling: improvements to footpaths, cycle lanes, and pedestrian crossings, ensuring safe and accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists
- active travel and rights of eay: improving and expanding walking and cycling routes to encourage sustainable and healthier travel options
Reactive repairs and other works
It’s important to note that the Capital Programme focuses on larger, planned projects funded by capital budgets. In addition to this, we continue to carry out reactive repairs based on reports from the public, such as those submitted via Fix My Street, and defects identified during regular inspections. These reactive repairs address issues such as potholes, damaged street furniture, or signage.
We also handle emergency repairs that arise unexpectedly, small works for minor improvements, and gritting during winter months to ensure our roads remain safe and passable in adverse weather conditions.
Flexibility and contingencies
It’s important to understand that all schemes in the Capital Programme are subject to budget, weather, and available resources. As we gather more data and the situation changes, we have the flexibility to adjust or reschedule projects when necessary. We may update or re-prioritise schemes based on these factors, always working to deliver the most efficient and necessary infrastructure improvements.