Wednesday May 20th 2026
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
The road ahead is clear for Scottish Borders Council with the publication of a vital new strategy document.
The local authority has updated its Road Asset Management Plan, setting out how it will manage, maintain and improve one of the region’s most important public assets, its road network, in a way that supports communities, the economy and the environment.
The plan outlines a clear, long-term approach to managing the Borders’ road network and related infrastructure, helping ensure that investment decisions are informed by data, risk, condition and best value.
It shows how the council is balancing day-to-day maintenance needs with longer-term priorities such as resilience, safety, climate adaptation and service sustainability.
With around 3,000 kilometres of carriageway, around 700 kilometres of footways and shared paths, approximately 1,200 road bridges, around 19,000 lighting columns, approximately 28,000 road gullies and a wide range of other road assets to maintain, the report underlines the scale and complexity of the task facing the council.
It also highlights the importance of roads infrastructure in supporting access to homes, schools, businesses, healthcare, public services and tourism across the Borders.
The plan highlights the extensive work already being carried out by SBC teams which covers inspections, repairs, winter maintenance, drainage management, bridge and structures work, street lighting maintenance, flood response, planned improvement programmes and ongoing engagement with local communities and road users.
The council’s approach is designed to make the best possible use of available resources while continuing to meet statutory duties and respond to local priorities.
The report recognises that residents place a high value on issues such as pothole repairs, road condition, winter maintenance, drainage and safer roads for all users.
It also reflects the wider challenges facing roads services, including ageing infrastructure, inflation, rising traffic pressures, climate change, flooding risk and the need to support net zero ambitions and biodiversity improvements across the area.
John Greenwell, SBC’s executive member for Roads and Public Space, said: “This plan shows that we are taking a responsible and forward-looking approach to managing our roads network across the Scottish Borders.
“Our roads are vital to daily life, connecting our communities, supporting businesses and helping people access work, education, healthcare and other essential services.
“The Road Asset Management Plan demonstrates the scale of the work involved and the commitment of our teams to maintaining and improving the network in a way that is focused on long-term benefit.
“It is also about making sure we use our resources wisely and continue to plan for any challenges ahead.”
The updated plan sets out how SBC will continue to manage a large and diverse roads asset base while responding to changing demands, financial pressures and climate impacts.
The Road Asset Management Plan also recognises the importance of the work SBC teams already carry out every day to keep the network operating and to support communities throughout the Borders.
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