Opportunity to contribute to CIHT's upcoming report reducing the impact of works on road users
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CIHT is developing a report to support the efficient delivery of road maintenance and street works, while minimising disruptions on road users.
Street works (works carried out by statutory undertakers (utility companies, contractors etc) using equipment and machinery on or under the road) and road works (carried out to repair or improve the highway including footways, pavement and street lighting) both occur on a highways network which is ageing and, generally, in decline. Both utility apparatus and our roads need to be maintained and upgraded, and this need will likely only increase in the coming years. We would like the report to be a positive document that supports everyone responsible for delivering these works.
We are looking for insights into current street and road work practices with a view to answering the three questions below:
We would like you to provide supporting materials to help us in answering these questions by filling in the tables below. A blank template can be obtained by emailing technical@ciht.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is cob 25 April 2025.
Question 1- Examples of improved maintenance practices
: How can we strengthen practices in the below areas to support authorities and utilities in ensuring the efficient delivery of road maintenance and street works?
Key theme area |
Information sought |
Technology and materials:We seek examples of the use of new and cost-effective technologies and materials that enhance road resurfacing and can be adopted by other authorities. |
What kinds of materials are commonly used in resurfacing?
Is there scope for implementation of newer materials that are more affordable and provide potential benefits not provided by currently used materials?
How can we better embed technology in maintenance practices? |
Inspections and coring:We seek examples of inspections and coring practices which have prompted an improvement in reinstatement performance. |
How cost-effective is coring and inspection?
How can we use inspections and coring to improve reinstatement performance and prevent future failure?
How can we use inspections and coring to ensure that the long-term impact on road integrity is minimised? |
AccessWe seek examples of practices that minimise the need to take up the road to access utility apparatus. |
Are there ways of ensuring that undertakers are able to access apparatus under the road without taking up the road?
Are there any specific international examples we can learn from? |
SequencingWe seek examples of practices that ensure that works that require a sequence of activity from different actors are carried out without major breaks in the sequence. |
How can we ensure that works that require a sequence of different activities (eg traffic management, maintenance, resurfacing) are carried out with minimal breaks between activities? |
Reducing length of time work takesWe seek examples of initiatives which have created effective incentives for reducing the length of time works take, e.g. charging the full cost of parking suspensions for traffic management reasons. |
How can we better incentivise efficiency? |
CollaborationWe seek examples of positive engagement between statutory undertakes, and positive engagement and collaboration between undertakers and local highways authorities. |
What practices can improve relationships between utility companies and local highway authorities? Are there examples where work is coordinated so that road maintenance and utility maintenance can be carried out at the same time? How can we support collaboration between undertakers wishing to carry out different works on the same road? |
Question 2- Examples of minimised disruptions on road users
: How can we strengthen practices in the below areas to support local authorities in minimising disruption caused by works to road users?
Key theme area |
Information sought |
DataWe seek examples of effective use of data in managing and mitigating disruption. |
What data is available?
How is it being used?
How can it be used more effectively?
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DigitalWe seek examples of digital integration in practices which have led to an improvement in efficiency eg shorter durations for work, effective engagement and communication. |
How can we take advantage of digital and technological developments like AI to improve efficiency?
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CommunicationWe seek examples of effective communication and engagement with road users over potential disruptions on the network, including ways of ensuring equal access to information across all road users. |
What channels are available for disseminating information regarding disruption caused by works?
How can we improve communications with road users to ensure they are well informed of disruption? |
Passenger TransportWe seek examples that demonstrate effective engagement between authorities and transport operators |
How can we better reduce the impact of works on buses? |
Question 3 – Priorities for regulatory change
: What should be the priorities for regulatory and/or government led change?
Order of priority |
Potential Regulatory and/ or government led change |
Supporting information/ Comments |
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Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
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