ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK is a three-year, UK-wide £30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network.

The programme has now been shortlisted as Best Small Project (Under £10m) category by the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) – a body that represents and qualifies professionals who plan, design, build, manage, maintain and operate transport and infrastructure.

Building on the success of the previous phases – which saw payments of £838,950 in 2023/24 and £1,957,500 in 2024/25 – the new funding instalment will empower Liverpool City Council and its project partners to begin a new phase of the project.

The Live Labs Decarbonising Local Roads Research Programme harnesses research and innovation to support the transition to net zero carbon local roads, addressing the emissions and resilience challenges posed by the city’s highways infrastructure.

The third stage of the project will see a focus on minimising the carbon footprint through innovative road design, construction, and maintenance practices.

The project team will also look to test new materials and processes. Implementing cutting-edge innovation projects across the city, including the trial of carbon-saving materials and alternative construction methods.

In addition, there will be an enhancement of recycling initiatives, exploring processes aimed at recycling highways materials to reduce environmental impact.

An important element of the project is to seek more streamlined procedures. By developing and refining legal, contractual, and procurement processes it is expected the adoption of sustainable solutions can be sped up.

Following the third stage of the project there will be a comprehensive research and pilot project to inform long-term, low-carbon road management strategies.

During Year 2 of the programme, Liverpool recorded several notable successes, including the trialling of Luminokrom – an innovative photoluminescent material in Everton Park, which reduces the need for traditional, energy-intensive street lighting.

The project also implemented demonstrator projects across areas such as Pinehurst Avenue, Upper Pitt Street, Millersdale Road, Alderwood Avenue, and Alderfield Drive to evaluate their carbon-saving potential.

Looking ahead to Year 3, the programme will investigate further innovations such as LED panels on zebra crossings, new specifications for 20mph road signage in high-risk areas, as well as additional carbon-saving materials and construction techniques.

Each project will be carefully monitored and evaluated to ensure value for money and continued alignment with the council’s broader sustainability and Net Zero targets.

The project will also contribute significantly to the council’s declared climate emergency response, dovetailing with wider strategies to engage local partners and innovators in building a greener, more resilient city.

Councillor Ruth Bennett said:

“Securing this vital funding demonstrates Liverpool City Council’s resolute commitment to tackling our city’s carbon emissions in a way that not only benefits our environment but also reinforces our dedication to innovation and safety on local roads.

“The Live Labs programme is a key part of our strategy to decarbonise highways maintenance, a major contributor to our overall emissions, while supporting our local communities and supply chains.”