After a transition phase, the company’s board will appoint a new CE
Despite the National Highways chief executive, Nick Harris’ announcement of intent to step down, no specific date has been given as of yet.
Harris has served in the role since 2021, and will hold the post until the company’s board appoints an interim leader, while the recruitment process for the permanent CE will begin later this year.
“One of the greatest privileges of my career”
In a statement, Harris said: “Serving as chief executive of National Highways has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. As we approach the start of the next five year Road Investment Strategy, this is the right moment for me to hand over to new leadership who will guide the organisation into its next chapter.
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together over the last five years – delivering safer, greener, more reliable roads; strengthening our relationships with partners; and modernising the organisation for the future. National Highways is in great shape, with exceptional people and a clear vision for what comes next.”
Gareth Rhys Williams, chair of National Highways, added: “Nick has led the organisation through an important period of change and achievement, through the pandemic amongst other challenges. We thank him for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to building an organisation well set to rise to an ambitious and stretching set of new targets and outcomes embedded in RIS3 and the recently announced Safety Strategy.”
An era of experimentation for the company
Early last year, National Highways completed a trial for new noise cancelling tarmac treatments on a section of the A30 in Cornwall, which reduced the noise of vehicles moving on it by seven decibels.
The treatment was developed by Tarmac and Wirtgen and Atmo Technology, and beyond reducing noise, also increases the lifespan of the road surface for 10-15 years before any more intervention is needed.
This is achieved by replacing the traditional method of diamond fine milling with creating grooves in the existing concrete, as well as employing raised turrets for extra texture and skid resistance. This means roads have a smaller contact surface areas with tyres, and the added grooves absorb sound.
Nick Angelou, regional contracting director at Tarmac, said: “This significant trial has helped to develop a solution for concrete roads which can reduce noise for neighbouring communities as well as extend the lifecycle of the asset to deliver financial and environmental savings by eliminating the need for earlier intervention.”
Nick Knorr, head of the National Concrete Roads Programme, said: “This trial was part of our Concrete Roads Programme which will ultimately replace all of our existing legacy concrete roads. Achieving this goal will take time and significant investment, so it is essential that we find cost effective ways of extending the life of those still in use until they can be replaced.”
The post National Highways chief executive announces step down appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
