Somerset Council and Kier have been shortlisted for a top national award thanks to a new, low-carbon approach to treating roads in wintry weather.
The partnership is in line for the Net Zero Project of the Year Award at the 2026 Department for Transport (DfT) Special Recognition Awards, recognising an innovative project that is transforming how winter maintenance is delivered across Somerset, while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The combined carbon saving from reduced fuel and salt use for 20206/2027 season was 70,867 kgCO₂e.
The project has revolutionised Somerset’s winter service by introducing route-based weather forecasting and treatment decisions. The approach enables gritting and salt treatments to be targeted only where they are needed, reducing unnecessary vehicle movements, fuel consumption, salt use and associated carbon emissions while maintaining the same high standards of highway safety and network resilience.
The initiative was developed through the Department for Transport-funded Live Labs 2 Decarbonising Local Roads Programme, where Somerset Council was a key partner in the Wessex Partnership’s Net Zero Corridors project. The programme provided the chance to challenge traditional approaches to Highways Operations and place sustainability at the heart of one of the Council’s most critical operational services.
The project was led by officers from Somerset Council and Kier, who worked closely with forecasting specialists, operational teams and decision-makers to move the concept from development to implementation in less than 9 months.
Somerset’s highway network covers around 6,765 kilometres of road, with around 1,450 kilometres forming the precautionary salting network. Historically, winter treatment decisions were made across 4 large forecast areas. The new approach uses 23 route-specific assessments, allowing resources to be deployed more precisely and efficiently according to localised weather conditions.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said:
Being shortlisted for this national award is fantastic recognition of the innovation and collaboration that exists across Somerset’s highways service. This project demonstrates how we can continue to provide a safe and reliable road network while supporting Somerset Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
By embracing new technology, data and partnership working, we have shown that environmental improvements and excellent public services can go hand in hand. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this achievement, particularly the officers, whose dedication has helped turn an ambitious idea into a successful operational reality.
Scott Northover, General Manager for Kier Infrastructure in Somerset, said:
We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted alongside Somerset Council for this prestigious award. The project is a great example of what can be achieved when client and contractor work together with a shared purpose.
Through route-based forecasting, we have been able to reduce unnecessary treatments, lower carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency without compromising safety. This recognition reflects the commitment, expertise and innovation shown by teams across both organisations, and especially the outstanding work of everyone in driving the project forward.
The winners will be announced at the DfT Special Recognition Awards being hosted at Strictly Highways, taking place in Blackpool later this month, where representatives from Somerset Council and Kier will join other finalists from across the UK highways sector.
