As we witness another major road structure closing to heavy vehicles, with the 12-18 month ban on vehicles over 7.5T crossing the M48 Severn Bridge just beginning, it is a stark reminder of the challenges we face with ageing road assets that are still in operation many years past their original anticipated lifespan.
And while those in the industry are increasingly aware of the challenges brought about by our country’s ageing transport infrastructure, more needs to be done to bring the wider public with us on this journey.
Why bridge maintenance matters
Bridges are a crucial component of the UK’s transport system, supporting the safe passage of people, goods, and services. Many structures, however, have been in use for a number of decades – much longer than ever intended, meaning they were not designed or built with current traffic volumes in mind.
So with a ‘rebuilding’ focused RIS3 on the horizon, we logically face an era when a good number of them will have to be replaced or significantly rebuilt and repaired, bringing major long-term disruptions to the network.
And yet many road users associate any narrative around repairs with shorter and less impactful activity. They’re more used to experiencing major disruption for newly built roads, where there is some sense of gain to compensate, such as new routes, improved facilities, increased capacity, or faster connections.
Headlines of the government allocating an interim settlement of £4.8billion to National Highways for road maintenance this year are likely to be lost in translation for consumers more focused on the state of their local road network, reinforced by manifesto promises on the emotive topic of pothole repairs.
Why communications are crucial to bridge the information gap
Lengthy planning and design processes mean new-build transport projects can give stakeholders and communities months, sometimes years, of notice before work commences. In comparison, maintenance and repair work often needs to be carried out urgently and therefore at short notice, which doesn’t always allow enough time for messages to be communicated properly or far enough in advance.
Also, repair works often don’t bring the visible entourage of vehicles and workers that the travelling public have become used to on major new build projects, or if they do, they are hidden from view, working underneath and inside structures. So, the lack of a visible workforce means it’s vital to proactively explain what’s happening, with additional engagement to explain ‘empty’ stretches of roadworks. Traditional communications channels such as road signs, letter drops, and information events are all great ways to get the message out. However, we should be doing much more: interactive web-maps enable customers to self-serve information tailored to their needs, and digital AWNs (advanced warning notices) can help bring key information about restrictions on the network to life.
Appreciating and alleviating local concerns
It’s also important to consider the diversity and distinctions of local communities, and make sure communications methods are inclusive and reflective of local needs. Many bridges and structures have historical significance, meaning local people may be more emotionally invested in their upkeep.
In these cases, local people may require reassurance that the structure is being treated respectfully while work is being carried out. Early and honest communication can go a long way to build trust around the integrity of the work taking place.
There are also environmental concerns regarding ageing bridges and structures. Decaying structures can impact carbon emissions, local air quality, and biodiversity. Being able to discuss, promote, and even directly support (through advocacy or volunteering) the environmental and ecological impacts of works can increase credibility and local buy-in to schemes, as well as showing support for local and national political aspirations and engaging influential stakeholders.
Offering meaningful social value
Adding genuine social value is a key focus of all road projects, and repair and maintenance works should be no different. Gaining insights into how communities can be helped and want to be helped is crucial for securing a social licence to deliver amidst significant and sustained disruption.
When it comes to structural maintenance projects, effective communication and social value can help build those all-important metaphoric bridges between project teams and communities. And they are just as important, if not more so, for protecting the programme and pace of investment we need to make in maintaining a vital, resilient future road network.