Street works

In the broadest sense, the term 'street works' describes types of work performed in the construction, maintenance and repair of streets.

Street works are necessary to provide and maintain utility and transport services. Generally, this type of work is carried out by statutory undertakers, including:

• Utility companies.
• Licensees under section 50 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA).
• Contractors.

For more information, see Statutory undertakers.

Street works differ from roadworks which are defined under NRSWA as works for road purposes (WRP). WRP activities are generally carried out by highway authorities to improve, repair, maintain or replace highways, including:

• Works for the maintenance of the highway.
• Any works under powers conferred by the Highway improvement works of the Highways Act 1980 (Part V HA1980).
• Erection, maintenance, alteration or removal of traffic signs on or near the highway.
• Construction of a crossing for vehicles across a footway or grass verge or the strengthening or adaptation of a footway for use as a crossing for vehicles.
• Replacement or maintenance of street lighting, even if carried out on behalf of the council by an electricity distribution company.

For more information, see Roadworks.

Diversionary works is also a term that is associated with projects that involve utilities. Diversionary works are sometimes required to accommodate highway improvement schemes. They may be used when it becomes necessary to reroute utility services.

The Safety at Street Works and Road Works: A Code of Practice provides guidance for utility companies that are responsible for making sure that all street works are safe for both operatives and the public. It covers subjects such as signing, lighting and guarding of both street works and roadworks.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Highways England.
• Highways in England and Wales.
• Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works.
• Road construction.
• Roadworks.
• Statutory undertakers.
• Street authority.
• Street works licence.
• Types of road and street.
• Utilities for construction and operation.

[edit] External resources

• Gov.uk, Safety at Street Works and Road Works A Code of Practice.
• Leglislation.gov.uk, Highways Act 1980.
• Legislation.gov.uk, New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.