Construction News

Thu March 28 2024

Related Information

Advice for streetworks contractors

13 Nov 14 The Department for Transport has produced a series of advice leaflets with tips to help contractors speed up road repairs.

It has been estimated that delays from streetworks cost the UK economy around £4.3bn a year
It has been estimated that delays from streetworks cost the UK economy around £4.3bn a year

The seven leaflets are the culmination of a £1m research initiative between the Department for Transport and Transport for London, which was funded through revenue raised by the London Lane Rental Scheme.

One technique that has helped cut roadworks congestion is the core and vac process, sometimes known as keyhole surgery for roads. The technique, originally developed for gas companies in the USA, allows utility companies to drill down to underground pipes and valves without causing massive damage to the road.

National Grid found the technique typically reduces a five-day job to just half a day. It estimates that between April 2011 and March 2014 in London delays to the travelling public were cut by 5,670 days.

Other innovative techniques include mapping underground pipes and cables to help utility companies know exactly where to dig when making repairs.

Related Information

Transport minister Robert Goodwill said: “Delays on our roads are not only a headache for motorists but are costing our economy billions of pounds a year. These leaflets will be an indispensable guide to those people working on our roads, providing top tips for getting the job done safely and on time.”

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at Transport for London, said: “Poorly planned roadworks can lead to substantial delays and added frustration for all road users. London has led the way with developing a roadworks permit scheme and the UK’s first lane rental scheme. Both these have helped to reduce the number of works taking place in peak hours by encouraging companies to work together and develop new, innovative methods. These new traffic advisory leaflets will help pass on valuable lessons to allow utility companies and other highway authorities across the UK to reduce congestion and keep the UK moving.”

TRL infrastructure director Bob Collis added: “The launch of the new traffic advisory leaflets is a big step forward for the industry in providing local authorities with innovative congestion reducing solutions that will help make our roads better for motorists.”

The traffic advisory leaflets are:

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

MPU
MPU

Click here to view latest construction news »