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
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.