Under the new contract, WSP will lead as National Highways’ technical partner, supported by Mott MacDonald, Ramboll, Arup and AECOM, providing programme leadership, technical assurance and delivery support. The project will identify and deliver designs to treat water running from the highest risk outfalls on the strategic road network. Treatment will include either nature based solutions or mechanical approaches delivered within the existing road boundary.

Working closely with National Highways, WSP will continue to support the development of a long term, evidence led approach to water quality, ensuring interventions are targeted, proportionate and aligned with wider environmental goals.

David Symons, Technical Partner Programme Director and Future Ready Leader at WSP, said:

“We are very pleased to be continuing our role as technical partner on the Water Quality Plan, supporting National Highways as the programme moves into its next phase. This is an important programme and we look forward to delivering this work at pace to help improve England’s water quality.”

Stephen Elderkin, Director of Environmental Sustainability at National Highways, said:

“We are committed to addressing the risk of pollution from road run-off. Alongside publishing a list of areas which require mitigation, a new national programme for improving water quality on our roads has now been established to tackle this important issue. Our continued relationship with WSP stands us in good stead as we continue making significant progress towards meeting the aims of our Water Quality Plan 2030. We look forward to working with them again to support positive environmental outcomes.”

The Water Quality Plan forms a key part of National Highways’ commitment to reducing pollution from road run off and improving the condition of rivers, streams and groundwater in the vicinity of the strategic road network.

WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. With over 11,700 experts in the UK and Ireland and approximately 83,000 professionals operating in over 50 countries, known as Visioneers, we pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, resources and industrial sectors. WSP is publicly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:WSP).

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)

For further information, please contact: Chris Stocks, Senior External Communications Manager, WSP [email protected]