Highways Bulletin: Highways Laboratory Team Plays an Important Role

Published on: 13 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 13 Sep, 2026

The information for this bulletin comes from Surrey County Council and is written by them.

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How Surrey is innovating to build better roads

Every day, Surrey’s roads, pavements and highway infrastructure are put to the test. Working behind the scenes to help ensure they remain safe, durable and deliver value for money is our Highways Laboratory Team.

The specialist team provides independent testing, site investigations and engineering advice that support decisions across the highway network. Their work helps identify potential issues before they become costly problems, ensuring the council’s investment in Surrey’s roads is protected and that residents benefit from reliable, long-lasting infrastructure.

The team is also helping Surrey embrace innovation by evaluating and trialling new products and technologies that can improve road performance while reducing environmental impact.

Recent successes include the assessment of low-carbon ACLA aggregate, a construction material that can help reduce the carbon footprint of highway works, and advanced MMA (methyl methacrylate) road marking materials, which are designed to be more durable and stay visible for longer. This can improve road safety while reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

The Laboratory is also preparing for a trial of graphene-enhanced materials. Graphene is an extremely strong material that can improve performance and durability when added to construction products. The trial aims to explore how it could help extend the life of highway assets, reduce maintenance requirements and lower long-term costs.

Working closely with our Transport Development and Planning Team, the Laboratory has also helped introduce modern pavement assessment techniques, including the Lightweight Deflectometer (LWD). This equipment measures how well the ground beneath a road performs, providing a more accurate picture of foundation strength and structural condition.

By requiring this information during the asset adoption process, Surrey can help ensure new roads are built to a higher standard from the outset, reducing future maintenance needs and improving long-term resilience.

Looking ahead, the team is working towards becoming cost-neutral by expanding its specialist testing and advisory services to external clients. This approach generates income that can be reinvested into the service, helping to offset operational costs while maximising the value of the council’s in-house expertise.

By combining technical excellence, innovation and commercial awareness, SCC says, the Highways Laboratory Team continues to deliver added value to the county council, its stakeholders and the communities it serves.

For details of roadworks in the Guildford area please click here.