As major projects director, Adams will be responsible for delivery of the Government’s strategic roads programme, including managed motorway schemes, as well as working with his teams to develop further projects for future delivery.

He joined the Highways Agency two years ago as divisional director for major projects in southern England.

Before  he spent 20 years with BAA in engineering and project management roles, and three years with Thames Water developing their asset management strategy and business plan.

The budget of £2.3bn for major road schemes within this spending review period was increased by around £0.7bn following the Government’s Autumn Statement in November 2011.

The additional investment means that six major road schemes have been added to the roads programme for start of works before March 2015, with work on two managed motorway schemes accelerated.

Peter Adams said: “We and our supply chain have grown a strong track record in the delivery of major schemes, which is even more important following the significant boost our roads programme received in the Autumn Statement.

“I am looking forward to working with my new team and the supply chain in delivering the roads programme which supports growth and the UK economy .”

Graham Dalton, chief executive of the Highways Agency said: “Peter has a strong track record in delivering significant investment, project management and driving efficiencies, which will be key to ensuring the value for money we need to achieve.

“This is a key leadership role, responsible for the leadership and direction of staff in the major project teams and our supply chain of contractors, designers and engineers on which we rely for successful delivery of our major construction projects.”