Blackpool Council Uses AI to Tackle Road Repairs

Blackpool Council uses hi-tech satellite technology to locate potholes and tackle road repairs.

03:33 05 February 2020

Blackpool Council becomes the first local authority in the United Kingdom to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) technology in tackling road repairs. The scheme, which is part of the Project Amber highways maintenance strategy, has been successfully piloted in Anchorsholme and Bispham.

 

The project involves viewing the road network using space satellite image capturing technology, which allows engineers and the highway team to pinpoint where work is needed. The technology has been designed to detect pot holes, cracks and general damage in seconds.

 

Coun Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, said: "Project Amber and the use of artificial intelligence is another forward thinking and innovative approach that will deliver not only significant savings but will also benefit all road users."

 

Steve Berry, head of local roads at the Department for Transport, said: "We hope that Project Amber will act as a showcase of what can be achieved by local authorities working in partnership with the supply chain to achieve lower whole life costs in highway maintenance through the use of surface treatments."