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Access our Street Works Register to get details of current and planned road and street works across the borough

By searching on a street name you will be able to see what works are planned, or have been carried out in that street

Disclaimer: The information provided from the Street Works Register is regularly updated by the organisations named in relation to works. Errors and/or delays may occur. We accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies or inconvenience caused. If you have any specific queries regarding current street works or are aware of any works not listed on this site, please contact us.

Who is digging up the road?

We receive enquiries and questions every day about the public highway. Often people ask "who is digging up the road"? It's a common misconception that we are responsible for all works on the highway. In fact, statutory undertakers carry out the vast majority of highway excavations.

Planned roadworks can be viewed on the One.Network interactive map

Report a problem

If you have any concerns regarding works that are taking place on the road or highway, please contact us to report the problem.

Types of roadworks

There are two main types of roadworks. "Street works" are works carried out to the utility services that are located within public highways. Other works which are carried out for the benefit of the road or footpath users are known as "works for road purposes".

Street Works are carried out by "statutory undertakers" (formerly known as public utilities) such as gas, water, telecom, cable TV & electricity companies. These companies have a legal right to install and maintain apparatus in a public highway.

The legislation that covers this area is the New Roads & Street Works Act 1991 and the Traffic Management Act 2004. Further information on Street Works can be obtained from the government’s Department for Transport web site.

What is our role?

We have a duty to co-ordinate works carried out in the highway. In the words of the Traffic Management Act 2004 we must secure "the expeditious movement of traffic" (so far as is reasonably practicable). The term "traffic" includes pedestrians.

We are member of the North of England Highway Authorities Utilities Committee. We also communicate with the statutory undertakers via quarterly meetings to discuss programmes of work.

We hold regular and frequent progress meetings on important street works projects to help minimise possible disruption and inconvenience to the public.

Permit scheme for roadworks

Under our permit scheme, works promotors have to book time on the highway network by applying for a permit prior to carrying out any works. This permit scheme allows us to effectively manage and coordinate essential roadworks.

Further information:

What is the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991?

This act defines the responsibilities and obligations of local authorities and statutory undertakers (also referred to as 'utility companies') when works are carried out on the public highway.

Who are statutory undertakers?

Organisations are licensed by the government to dig holes in roads, verges and pavements under the NRSWA 1991. This includes all the well known utilities – gas, electricity, water, and telecommunication companies. The objectives of the act are:

  • To ensure safety.

  • To minimise inconvenience to users of the road and footway network, especially the disabled.

  • To protect the structure of the street scene, particularly its apparatus.

Statutory undertakers must inform local authorities of their planned works on the public highway. The period of notice that must be given to local authorities before such works can begin depends on the size, nature and location of the scheme. For emergency works, local authorities should be notified no later than 2 hours after work has begun.

What powers do we have over statutory undertakers' works?

We have the power to monitor and co-ordinate all such works. However we do not directly manage the workings of statutory undertakers. Restrictions can be put in place on the time which certain works can take place. To minimise for example traffic congestion on important roads during peak hours. Planned works are normally not allowed in residential areas between late evening and early morning. Section 58 of the act enables us to prevent statutory undertakers from carrying out planned excavations within 12 months of roads or footways having been resurfaced or re-laid. Some exceptions are permitted. These are often in the case of safety and emergency works or for supplies to new premises.

Can we apply penalties for late completion of works?

Yes. We have the legal right, under section 74 of NRSWA, to impose a penalty on statutory undertakers who fail to complete their works on time, unless approval has been given to extend the time-scale. The size of the penalty can range from £100 to £2000 per day.

How do we know which statutory undertaker is carrying out works?

Statutory undertakers are required to display courtesy boards where they are working. These boards should display contact telephone numbers and, in some cases, the name of the person who will assist in dealing with enquiries.

Do we inspect these works?

Yes. Approximately 30% of these works are inspected by our officers at differing stages of progress. Any defects that come to light are reported to the relevant statutory undertaker, so that the appropriate action can be undertaken.

Do we and statutory undertakers talk to one another?

Yes. To assist in the co-ordination of works and to avoid digging up the same holes time and time again, regular requests are made to all statutory undertakers for details of their planned works. Quarterly co-ordination meetings are also held with representatives of all statutory undertakers, as well as other interested parties.

Report a problem

If you have any concerns regarding works that are taking place on the road or highway, please contact us to report the problem.