Supply-chain issues a ‘material risk’, warns National Highways
Summary
National Highways has flagged supply-chain disruption as a material risk to delivering projects efficiently, citing economic volatility, geopolitical pressures, labour constraints and shortages of critical components. Its annual report also highlights risks from ageing assets, network capacity pressures and recruitment challenges, while noting improvements in worker-safety metrics and some operational performance measures.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, this points to wider infrastructure delivery and cost pressures that can affect transport connectivity, scheme timelines and construction-related market conditions. The safety and asset-management themes are also relevant to understanding risk in major public works and their knock-on effects on surrounding property and access.
Key points
- National Highways says supply-chain interruption could have severe impacts on delivery.
- Ageing assets and physical reduction in network capacity are identified as significant risks.
- Recruitment and retention in senior and specialist roles remain a concern.
- Supply-chain safety metrics improved, with lower lost-time injuries and RIDDOR incidents.
- The Large Renewals programme underspent due to delays on key schemes.
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