The problem below the surface 

Climate change, combined with rising traffic levels, is contributing to a gradual movement in the subsoil. This often goes unnoticed until visible damage appears, by which point the underlying structure may already be compromised. The result is a cycle of reactive maintenance, with roads failing repeatedly despite continued repairs.

Putting a strain on local authorities  

The impact is already being seen at a local level. In Cambridgeshire, a recent report identified an £800 million maintenance backlog, with a significant proportion linked to roads built on peat. Around 40 per cent of the county’s network sits on peatland, where soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture and temperature. 

The county’s highways and transport committee has warned that repairing peat-affected roads alone could cost up to £500 million, as many require full reconstruction rather than surface treatment. In the past year, 11km of such roads have been repaired at a cost of £5.5 million. 

Neighbouring Lincolnshire has faced similar challenges following last year’s record-breaking summer. Drought conditions caused ground movement and an estimated £1-1.5 million of immediate damage, with longer-term costs potentially reaching £10 million. 

Changing weather patterns 

The start of 2026 has already demonstrated how quickly extreme weather can test the resilience of national assets. Three named storms: Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra, brought heavy rainfall and flooding to large parts of the country. The resulting disruption, damage and flood alerts underline the growing vulnerability of ageing infrastructure experiencing heavier traffic loads.  

Latest figures from the Environment Agency show some regions experienced rainfall reaching 159% of the long-term average (LTA) in January. Both the south-east and south-west recorded more than 150 per cent of the LTA, while England overall received132%. 

Improving ground conditions with targeted solutions 

Rather than simply focusing on surface repairs, addressing the underlying ground conditions can reduce long-term costs and improve network resilience.  

With more frequent cycles of heavy rainfall followed by prolonged dry periods expected, ground movement is likely to become an increasing challenge for the UK’s ageing road infrastructure. Early ground assessment and implementing specialist solutions can help tackle the root causes of subsidence, preventing repeat failures and extending asset life. 

The challenge with road repairs is often the major interruption, but there are some alternatives to ground engineering solutions, such as those provided by Mainmark, which can rapidly target areas whilst minimising construction delays. 

For example, resin injection and computer-controlled grouting has been used by authorities in the UK and internationally, providing a targeted, non-disruptive method of addressing voids and weak ground conditions without the need for excavation or full reconstruction. 

These techniques have been used to improve ground conditions from re-levelling subsided pavements and roadways to strengthen subgrade soils quickly and cost-effectively.  

A new approach  

Infrastructure built decades ago, often on foundations designed for different environmental and traffic conditions, is becoming more vulnerable as climate patterns evolve. Addressing this challenge will require a shift in how infrastructure resilience is assessed and managed.  

Early-stage ground investigation, monitoring and targeted ground improvement are becoming essential components of asset management strategies. Identifying subsurface risks before they escalate can significantly reduce lifecycle costs while avoiding emergency repairs and unplanned closures.  

The UK’s infrastructure is entering a period where geotechnical resilience must sit alongside structural and climate resilience in planning decisions. Maintaining and renewing ageing infrastructure remains essential to ensure roads can withstand traffic demands while avoiding disruption and safety risks. 

Contact Mainmark today to find out more about the best solutions for your site.