Britain is driving towards digitally connected "smart infrastructure", and civil engineer Costain wants to be at the front of the pack, its chief executive has said.

“Future infrastructure in Britain such as highways will not be about new black-top and concrete, but about giving information to drivers digitally and making roads ready for autonomous cars,” said Andrew Wyllie, boss of the main market-listed engineer.

“There’s a revolution in the use of technology and we are transforming to be at the forefront of that. We are building very few new motorways and railways ... it is not all about high-profile, headline projects - despite the rhetoric,” he added as Costain reported strong interim numbers.