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.
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.