Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice
(2026 Update)

Consultation now closed.

Thank you for participating in the consultation on the update to the Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice.

Following the close of consultation, feedback is currently being reviewed and collated, proposed changes will be considered, and the draft Code will be updated. The final Code of Practice is expected to be published in Autumn 2026, followed by a programme of implementation and embedment activities, including supporting workshops.

We will keep the sector informed as we progress towards publication. We remain available to contact via the mailbox ukrlgcodeofpractice@atkinsrealis.com. While we will consider messages that come in, we cannot guarantee we will be able to address all of the in the remainder of the current review. Contributions are always welcome in terms of examples of good practice, tools or templates.

How the Code is Evolving

Continuation of a Risk-Based Approach: The 2026 Code will retain the risk-based approach introduced in 2016, rather than defining minimum service levels.

Expanded scope aligned to post-2016 change: The Code continues to link directly to the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Guidance and strengthens alignment with the Code’s four core objectives: safety, serviceability, sustainability and customer service.
It also introduces new content areas, including carbon management, artificial intelligence and climate resilience, alongside the addition of Part E – Tunnels (not included in the consultation draft).

An updated coherent and aligned structure: The 2026 update adopts a common structure and shared framework across the Code making it clearer to navigate and easier to apply consistently across assets.

2016 vs. 2026 Code Contents and Structure