Croydon Council has set out plans for a major programme of highways investment in 2026/27, with £17.5m earmarked to improve roads, footways, bridges and flood‑management across the borough.
The plans approved by Cabinet this week support a wide range of essential works designed to keep Croydon’s roads safe, reliable and resilient. This includes resurfacing, patching and preventative treatments, drainage and flood‑alleviation schemes, and significant maintenance of bridges and other highway structures.
Croydon’s highway network is the Council’s most valuable asset, valued at more than £2bn. It covers 726km of roads, 1,235km of footways, 62 bridges and structures, and thousands of gullies, lighting columns and items of street furniture.
The planned programme is evidence led. It has been developed using condition surveys, safety inspections, data‑led assessments, and feedback from residents, businesses and Councillors. Priority will be given to strategic routes, bus corridors, town centres, and areas close to schools, hospitals and care homes.
In addition to resurfacing and repairs, the Council will continue to use preventative approaches that deliver long‑term value. This includes using sustainable materials, improving drainage systems and opportunities for green infrastructure such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
The plan also includes works to reduce flood risk at known hotspots including Foxley Lane, Fairdene Road, Central Hill, Russell Green Close and Montpelier Road. Works will include installing new gullies and soakaways, deep cleans and surveys of existing drainage systems, and introducing more monitoring equipment for early alerts during heavy rainfall.
“It is essential that we invest in our highway network. This investment is great news for Croydon, with twice the amount of funding secured compared to that received in 2020, and £5m more than last year.
“The improvements we will make are data informed, with the data coming from surveys, reports and what our residents tell us. This approach will make sure we get the best value and greatest impact from our investment. We will focus on prevention rather than reactive poor value works, protecting our single most valuable asset through steady, efficient investment.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
