Last edited 25 Jan 2017

Project lifecycle for major road projects

[edit] Introduction

The project control framework (PCF) is a joint Department for Transport and Highways Agency approach to managing major projects, which comprises:

The project lifecycle for major road projects is set out in the project control framework Handbook v2 April 2013.

Once initiated a project enters the major projects lifecycle which breaks down the three phases of the project control framework into seven stages shown below:

0: Strategy, shaping and prioritisation

1: Option identification

Identify options to be taken to public consultation.
Assess options in terms of environmental impact, traffic forecasts and economic benefits.
Refine the cost estimate of options (including an allowance for risk).

2: Option selection

Carry out public consultation including exhibitions.
Analyse comments received and select a preferred option.
Refine the cost estimate for preferred option (including allowance for risk).
Refine the environmental impact assessment, traffic forecasts, and economic benefits following public consultation if required.
Produce an outline business case.
Announce the preferred route.

3: Preliminary design

If early contractor involvement procurement method selected, appoint contractor.
Carry out surveys (such as topographical, geotechnical, environmental).
For Planning Act 2008 schemes hold community consultation including exhibitions, complete consultation report and resolve or rebut outstanding issues.
Complete and freeze the preliminary design of the preferred route.
Prepare draft Planning Act 2008 development consent order (or Highways Act 1980 orders if the scheme is below the threshold for a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP)), as appropriate.
Complete the environmental assessment and prepare the environmental statement.
Agree initial target cost with ECI contractor (if applicable).

4: Statutory procedures and powers

Publish notice of acceptance of Planning Act 2008 draft development consent order and application (or notice of draft Highways Act 1980 orders if the scheme is below the threshold for a NSIP) and environmental statement as appropriate (exhibitions may be considered for Highways Act 1980 orders).
Arrange public inquiry for Highways Act 1980 orders (if required).
Under the Planning Act 2008 the Planning Inspectorate will decide on the preliminary meeting and examination of the application for development consent. We will need to register and comment as an interested party (the developer).
Present evidence and rebuttals to objections for Highways Act 1980 orders at inquiry.
The Planning Inspectorate panel or inspector will make recommendations to the Secretary of State.
Issue secretary of state’s decision letter confirming whether orders/development consent are to be confirmed as published in draft, rejected or amended.

Confirm orders/development consent and respond to any high court challenges (if any).
Obtain approval to any advance works or advance statutory undertakers diversions.
Agree costs of construction with the contractor. If ECI is procurement method, agree final target cost.
Produce the final business case.
For Planning Act 2008 schemes place details of land to be acquired on deposit and publish a notice to say where these can be inspected.
Obtain notice to proceed