Highland Council awards new contract for road repairs

15th May 2025

After a successful three-week trial of thermal technology in 2024, Highland Council has appointed Thermal Road Repairs for a two-year patching repair contract worth a seven-figure sum. This will provide an additional resource for repairing surface defects such as potholes, cracking and deteriorating surfacing joints.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "After a successful trial last year, I'm delighted that we will be making use of thermal technology moving forward. It offers an efficient way to repair our roads using less material and will allow us to carry out permanent pothole fixes in all seasons."

The thermal repair process involves using an infrared heating system to heat existing road material which then becomes malleable and can be reworked with additional material to create a defect-free surface. The use of heat means that the repair is free of cold joints and therefore has no weak points at the edges resulting in a more effective repair that can also be carried out in colder conditions.

Cllr Gowans continued: "Thermal Road Repairs have a wealth of experience and their technology provides a fast, permanent fix to potholes but with the added benefits of low emissions and minimal waste due to less plant and materials being required. Infrared patching is a low noise and low impact technique with only one vehicle which creates minimal disruption for road users, and it is also a very quick process with approximately one square metre repaired every 5-9 minutes.

"Investing in our roads is a high priority not only for the Council but also for our communities and I am pleased that this contract will support our local roads teams to improve the condition of our roads faster and more effectively. The contract is part of a £2.1 billion capital investment agreed in our Highland Investment Plan which will help to maintain over 4000 miles of roads and ensure a sustainable approach to investment and contractor procurement. The Highland Investment Plan will provide 20 years of funding for roads and transport, schools, offices and community facilities throughout the Highlands."

Works are due to begin in summer 2025.