Atkins, Jacobs and PwC have been appointed by National Highways to help develop the government’s third road investment strategy (RIS3) for England’s highway network which runs from 2025-2030.

The Atkins Jacobs joint venture, working with PwC, will develop business and delivery plans, setting out the case for multi-year investment across England’s strategic road network of motorways and major A-roads.

The recommendations will look to improve road safety, capacity, quality and user experience, while also supporting National Highways’ commitment to enabling economic growth and delivering net-zero road maintenance and construction by 2040.

Atkins UK and Europe CEO Richard Robinson said: “The successful delivery of critical infrastructure requires strategic long-term planning and a focus on outcomes that benefit people, communities and businesses, while balancing the needs of the natural environment.

“We now look forward to supporting National Highways to shape the future of its road network, harnessing data, technology and decades of sector experience.”

Kate Kenny, Jacobs people & places solutions Europe senior vice-president, said: “This strategic planning will advance opportunities to improve the network’s critical infrastructure and unlock wide-reaching community benefits from this investment.

“Drawing on our knowledge of the network, combined with our data and digital capabilities in transportation, we are further supporting National Highways to find ways to better safeguard and enhance the environment, improve road user experience and connect communities.”

PwC UK public sector transport leader Grant Klein added: “This is an opportunity to help set out balanced and socially responsible plans for part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure, which will provide framing for the strategic road network beyond RIS3. 

“With our partners, Atkins and Jacobs, we’re excited about helping National Highways to deliver its purpose focused on connecting the country and maximising its environmental and social impact.” 

On completion, the work will inform the Department for Transport’s evaluation before it makes a final investment decision in late 2024, with the delivery of RIS3 starting in April 2025.