A new strategy has been released to strengthen the resilience and reliability of Scotland’s trunk road network in the face of climate change, writes Peter Brown.
The Trunk Road Adaptation Plan outlines how the network is currently being affected by changing weather patterns and how these impacts are likely to develop in the future.
Although Scotland’s trunk roads account for just 6% of the total road network, they carry 35% of all traffic and 60% of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) annually. Protecting this crucial infrastructure is essential to maintaining connectivity, supporting communities, and sustaining the economy.
There are 43 actions, including:
- Prioritising maintenance in locations identified to be most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change;
- Integrating weather forecasting systems for early warning alerts;
- Supporting climate resilience through nature-based solutions like sustainable drainage systems; and
- Strengthening bridges and embankments to withstand extreme weather events.
Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The Trunk Road Adaptation Plan lays out a series of measures which will be developed and implemented to ensure we continue to deliver resilience and reliability for the communities and businesses that depend on the road network.”
