Climate change, resilience and adaptation
Our highways service was one of the pioneer authorities that engaged and helped develop the Future Highways Research Group carbon calculation and reporting guidance. As part of that process, we have calculated our greenhouse gas emissions for scope 1, 2 and 3 for our maintenance activity. The initial baseline has been used to focus workstreams that have potential for decarbonisation. The second iteration of this data capture has recently commenced.
Lincolnshire’s climate change adaptation plan 2024 to 2030 outlines the main risks to the authority, focusing on the highway service. The unique geology and ground conditions faced in relation to drought damage has meant that the service has needed to develop strategies to deal with this. Utilisation of technology and alternative treatment types has meant that the highway service understands the location and likelihood of this risk so that it is mitigated into the future.
The highway service has an extensive programme of recycling. This is strategically managed at our recycling hubs across Lincolnshire. The EA permitted sites allow us to manage and process material in the most efficient and effective way. Within 2024 to 2025, the authority recycled approximately 30,000 tonnes of asphalt waste containing coal tar through a blend of in-situ recycling and cold recycled bound material.
We have placed a strong emphasis on sustainable, climate-resilient practices. This is part of our preventative maintenance strategy. Surface dressing continues to play a key role. This is supported by the recycling and reuse of approximately 10,000 tonnes of chippings in 2024 to 2025 minimising waste. In addition to this, we also utilise treatments such as:
- micro asphalt
- retexturing
- asphalt preservation
These treatments aim to:
- extend the life of road surfaces
- improve skid resistance
- reduce the need for more carbon-intensive resurfacing
These approaches align with our commitment to climate change resilience and adaptation. This ensures our road network remains durable and safe in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
Resilient network
Our resilient network identifies all the critical routes within the county which are classed as priority in severe weather incidents. This considers:
- connectivity to major communities
- access to emergency services
- links to all critical infrastructure and transport hubs
- repeat weather events
- additional local factors
Our resilient network consists of the statutory A and B roads map layer and the drawn-on routes within the main towns that consider the essential points which are included in the code of practice. The main elements to determine inclusion are:
- connectivity between major communities
- links to the strategic highway network
- connectivity across authority boundaries where appropriate
- links to transport interchanges
- access to emergency facilities including:
- fire and rescue
- police
- ambulance services
- hospitals
- links to critical infrastructure, for example:
- ports
- power stations
- water treatment works
- principal public transport routes, access to rail and bus stations, and to bus garages and other depots
- other locally important facilities
Further information on the resilient network can be found within our winter service plan.