WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms has been appointed to lead a group of firms to continue work supporting delivery of National Highways’ Water Quality Plan.

Photo: M25 - A1(M) South Mimms Interchange (Junction 23), Hertfordshire]

Under the new contract, WSP will lead as National Highways’ technical partner, supported by Mott MacDonald, Ramboll, Arup and AECOM, providing programme leadership, technical assurance and delivery support. The project will identify and deliver designs to treat water running from the highest risk outfalls on the strategic road network. Treatment will include either nature based solutions or mechanical approaches delivered within the existing road boundary.

The appointment builds on WSP’s role as technical partner on the programme since 2024.

Working closely with National Highways, WSP will continue to support the development of a long‑term, evidence‑led approach to water quality, ensuring interventions are targeted, proportionate and aligned with wider environmental goals.

Rain flowing from roads contains oils, suspended solids from tyres and metals from brakes. In its Water Quality Plan, National Highways has committed to address its most impacting discharges from the Strategic Road Network by 2030.

David Symons, Technical Partner Programme Director and Future Ready Leader at WSP, said:

“We are very pleased to be continuing our role as technical partner on the Water Quality Plan, supporting National Highways as the programme moves into its next phase. This is an important programme and we look forward to delivering this work at pace to help improve England’s water quality.”

Stephen Elderkin, Director of Environmental Sustainability at National Highways, commented:

“We are committed to addressing the risk of pollution from road run-off. Alongside publishing a list of areas which require mitigation, a new national programme for improving water quality on our roads has now been established to tackle this important issue. Our continued relationship with WSP stands us in good stead as we continue making significant progress towards meeting the aims of our Water Quality Plan 2030. We look forward to working with them again to support positive environmental outcomes.”

The Water Quality Plan forms a key part of National Highways’ commitment to reducing pollution from road runoff and improving the condition of rivers, streams and groundwater in the vicinity of the strategic road network.