Decision details

Councillor Smith introduced the report seeking to support the maintenance and improvement of Bury’s highway assets for 2026/27.

Councillor  Birchmore queried the resurfacing scheme for 26/27 on the website it states ‘to be confirmed’, when will the council determine which roads will be resurfaced?

Councillor Smith confirmed that historically had stated all the roads that were planned to be completed but due to various reasons this does have to change.  Details will be updated as we purchase the blocks and works are confirmed.

Councillor Rydeheard queried whether the factors contained in the draft budget have been taken into account as to feasibility for the delivery timescale and what impacts that could have on delaying some of the proposals set out.

Councillor Smith confirmed that a proposed change in structure of the highways team is being consulted on.  Vacancies are being held in line with this.

Decision(s)

Cabinet

·       Approved the Highways Capital Investment Programme and associated funding allocation set out in Table 2.

·       Approved the proposed asset management and prioritisation approach used to determine investment priorities across the highway network, as detailed in Appendix 1. 

·       Approved the proposed works on culverts and structures detailed Appendix 2. 

·       Noted the previously approved road safety programme detail in Appendix 3. 

·       Delegated authority to Executive Director of Place, in consultation with Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Smith Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations to approve amendments to the programme of work and prioritisation method where required, to respond to changing asset condition, emerging risks, funding opportunities and delivery considerations.

Reasons for Decision(s)

·       The Council, as the Highway Authority for Bury, has a statutory duty to maintain the public highway and associated infrastructure, including structures deemed to be publicly maintainable. The proposed programme provides a balanced and risk-based approach to managing the borough's highway assets, ensuring investment is targeted towards those interventions that deliver the greatest benefit in terms of safety, asset condition, network resilience and long-term value for money. 

·       The programme has been developed using asset management principles to prioritise investment based on condition, risk and network need, helping to manage deterioration across the network, protect previous investment and reduce future maintenance liabilities. It supports the Council's wider priorities for economic growth, connectivity, thriving communities and resilient public infrastructure. 

·       Approval of the programme will also enable the Council to utilise external funding allocations within the conditions and delivery timescales attached to those funding streams, including the Mayor's Pothole Fund, CRSTS and Integrated Transport Block funding. Failure to commit funding through an approved programme risks delaying delivery, affecting spend profiles and reducing the Council's ability to maximise the benefits of available investment within the required funding periods. 

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

·       Alternative investment approaches have been considered. However, the recommended programme represents the most effective use of available funding based on asset condition, risk, deliverability and strategic need. The proposed approach ensures investment is prioritised transparently and consistently in accordance with the Council's Highway Asset Management Plan and the requirements of external funding providers.