Climate adaptation in action
Warwickshire is already seeing the effects of hotter summers, heavier rainfall and more frequent flooding. Our climate adaption strategy is about planning ahead, protecting communities and making sure essential services stay reliable whatever the weather brings.
This series of case studies explains what this means in practice, giving you real examples of how council teams are changing the way they work to keep services reliable, protect communities and build resilience for the future.
Case Study 1: Building stronger, smarter roads for Warwickshire
The challenge
Hotter summers, heavier rainfall and sudden downpours put extra strain on our roads, drains and maintenance crews. That can mean more potholes, more flooding, and more disruption for local people.
What we’re doing differently
Our Highways team is introducing new ways of working to make Warwickshire’s roads stronger, safer, and more reliable in the face of changing weather:
- Smarter road surfaces - Medium temperature asphalt is now standard. It produces fewer fumes, allows roads to reopen faster, and makes the whole process cleaner and more efficient.
- Recycling old materials - Waste from old roads and construction is being repurposed into new surfaces – cutting down the need for fresh materials and making the most of what we already have.
- Preventing floods before they happen - We look after around 115,000 road gullies. By analysing data on silt levels and flood risk, we can clean the ones most likely to cause problems more often – helping to keep communities moving during heavy rain.
- New paving trials - Surfaces that let water soak away naturally are being tested, reducing surface water and pressure on drains.
- Fixing problems early - Our proactive “Find & Fix” scheme repairs small defects before they grow into potholes, which means fewer return visits, less disruption, and better value for money.
What this means for residents
Roads that last longer. Fewer floods and potholes. Faster, less disruptive roadworks. Cleaner air for road crews and local people.
By modernising the way we build and maintain roads, Warwickshire is staying ahead of the challenges that come with more unpredictable weather – protecting communities and keeping the county moving.