National Highways Phase 3 Winter Research & Development Programme

National Highways is seeking a consultant to deliver Phase 3 of its Winter Research & Development programme from April 2026 to March 2028. This comprehensive programme comprises four main tasks: (1) Laboratory, sterile site, and on-road trials to evaluate the longevity and optimal application rates of Potassium Acetate deicer, validating previous research and providing evidence-based recommendations for national guidance; (2) Review and research of current hoar frost treatment practices, including performance trials to identify effective treatment strategies and spread rates across varying severity conditions, with updated guidance development; (3) Development of a standardised winter treatment monitoring and logging process for Regional Operations Centres, including a monitoring oversight solution (such as a dashboard) to track compliance and performance; and (4) Ad hoc analytical, research, and governance support to the National Winter & Severe Weather Team. All tasks require detailed reporting, stakeholder engagement, alignment with existing standards and operational requirements, and careful consideration of financial, environmental, and safety impacts. This is an opportunity to directly influence winter road treatment practices across National Highways' network.