The ICR report concludes that significant resources need to be put into UK infrastructure so the UK doesn’t face a future of increased flood damage, poor road networks and overburdened energy supply when faced with increased demand from population growth as well as the effects of climate change.

 

The ICE State of the Nation report is looks at 6 key infrastructure sectors, rating them from A (fit for the future) to E (unfit for purpose) and is generally thought of as the most trustworthy review of the UK’s infrastructure.

 

The ICE has suggested the government should follow the National Infrastructure Plan’s prioritisation criteria for major infrastructure projects and has warned it should manage the expectations of the public in regards to the “levels of resilience in the UK’s infrastructure networks”.

 

They backed Sir John Armitt’s proposed infrastructure commission and urged the government adopt an integrated national transportation strategy.

 

It’s estimated that it will cost around £12billion to catch-up with the costs associated with maintaining the road network and whilst the government’s allocation of £340million will go some way to helping relieve the problem it will only be scratching the surface of the issues.

 

EC Harris partner Simon Rawlinson said: “Similarly, additional funding of £130m for flood management will only go so far to prevent flood risk increasing as a result of climate change.”

 

The transport and water sectors maintained their previous B rating from 2010 the ICE said there were some difficult decisions to be taken by the government regarding the provision and operation of infrastructure.

 

The requirement for this significant investment in the country’s infrastructure in the coming years should positive news for the construction and ancillary sectors which will no doubt be major benefactors of the impending development programs.