Where Does Asbestos Still Exist in the Strategic Road Network?

While asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, its presence in older highway assets continues to pose risks. The UK Strategic Road Network (SRN) spans over 7,500 kilometres and includes bridges, tunnels, lighting systems, drainage, and operational buildings—many of which were constructed before the ban and may still contain Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs).

To manage this, the Highways Agency (HA) introduced the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) to ensure asbestos is identified, monitored, and safely controlled across the national road network.

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Common Locations Where Asbestos Still Exists

1. Bridges and Elevated Structures

Older bridge decks, expansion joints, waterproofing systems, and pipe insulation often used asbestos for durability and fire resistance. These structures include:

• Joint filler boards and mastics
• Pipe insulation below decks
• Bitumen-coated culverts
• Waterproofing sheets
• Gaskets in structural beams

2. Roads, Ducts, and Columns

Roadside electrical and communication ducts installed before 2000 may contain asbestos-based components. ACMs can also be found in:

• Drainage pipes
• Communication troughs
• Electrical cabinet panels
• Street lighting fuse assemblies
• Roadside cabins and shelters

3. Tunnels and Underground Areas

Tunnels built decades ago may include asbestos in ventilation ducts, rope gaskets, and fire insulation. Key areas of concern include:

• Cladding panels
• Fire lagging for M&E cables
• Dust deposits from brake linings
• Water tanks and sumps
• Tunnel fan rooms and control buildings

4. Buildings and Maintenance Sites

Depots, rest area buildings, and control centres may still have asbestos in roofing, drainage systems, and wall insulation. These sites support the road network but are often overlooked in asbestos planning.

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What Is Being Done About It

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006, particularly Regulation 4, the HA and its service providers are legally obligated to manage asbestos risks.

Key steps include:

• Preparing Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs) for every 5-kilometre stretch of road
• Conducting annual Area Asbestos Management Plans (AAMPs)
• Creating Scheme Asbestos Management Plans (SAMPs) for new or redeveloped roads

Service providers must inspect at least 5 percent of their allocated network annually, with a target of 100 percent coverage by March 2025. Survey data is uploaded to central systems such as SMIS, TPMS, and HAPMS for tracking and compliance.

Assets built after 2000 are typically asbestos-free and excluded from mandatory surveys.

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Why Asbestos Awareness Still Matters?

Many road assets are over 20 years old and continue to be maintained, modified, or upgraded. Without proper identification, workers may unknowingly disturb ACMs during these activities. Ensuring accurate records and inspections not only improves safety but also aligns with legal and environmental standards.

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Conclusion

Although asbestos is no longer used in UK construction, it remains embedded in many parts of the Strategic Road Network. Bridges, tunnels, drainage systems, and service buildings all present potential risks. With clear regulations and structured management plans, the UK is making progress toward safer roads by 2025 — ensuring both compliance and protection for future infrastructure projects.

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FAQs

Q1. Where is asbestos most commonly found in UK roads?

Asbestos is typically found in bridge structures, tunnels, drainage ducts, and lighting columns that were built before the 2000 asbestos ban.

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Q2. What is GAMP in UK road infrastructure?

The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) outlines how the UK Highways Agency manages and tracks asbestos risks across the strategic road network.

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Q3. Are post-2000 road assets asbestos-free?

Yes, assets built after 2000 are considered asbestos-free, following the national ban on all asbestos materials in late 1999.

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