National Highways has begun research into new ways to maintain its bridges.

The new project, called Structures Moonshot, will investigate ways to protect steel elements of its structures that are not encased in concrete from corrosion.

National Highways is seeking new ways detect defects sooner and resolve the issues in a less disruptive and a non-destructive way. They have launched a new competition as part of the project to source new technology.

The Structures Moonshot project will be lead by the Atkins-Jacobs Joint Venture (AJJV). They will be responsible for carrying out testing and finding the best technologies for conducting advanced forms of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on structures.

Commenting on the need for the project, Colin George, National Highways' Deputy Head of Structures and Project Sponsor for Moonshot, said: "Robust maintenance and inspection regimes are in place for all of our structures but if we could find new ways of detecting defects sooner it will revolutionise our bridge maintenance, safety and efficiency.

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"The underlying ambition of 'Moonshot' is to maximise the benefits of recent and rapid advances in technology, tackling the increasing challenge of managing and maintaining the safety and use of our ageing bridge stock. The aim is to reduce the number of unplanned interventions on our roads network - which will mean a better experience for road users – and ultimately to see the automation of activities traditionally undertaken by personnel on site such as inspections and monitoring.

"We want to identify the best technology that is already available on the market and try out pioneering new ideas – things we might not have even thought of yet."

Reflecting on their involvement, Chris Mundell, Technical Director within Transportation at Atkins said: "This unique project will enable a far greater understanding of the condition of some of the most complex and difficult structures in our transportation infrastructure and could revolutionise how National Highways monitor and manage their condition. The project marks a significant enhancement in the sector’s approach to asset management and has the potential to reduce costs, improve safety and sustainability and avoid unplanned road and bridge closures.

"This appointment represents a further strengthening of our relationship with National Highways and puts us at the forefront of global research and development for post-tensioned bridge management."