Roadworks

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Utility works

More than 80 percent of the roadworks taking place across the borough are utility works.

We have a legal obligation to allow utility companies to carry out their works on our road network. Our Streetworks team work closely with them all to try to ensure that essential works are carried out with as little disruption as possible while keeping everyone safe, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclist and those carrying out the works.

Gas, electric, water and telecoms companies submit a request to work on our roads and footways and this could be for installation or maintenance works and big projects need roadworks to be in place around the clock as they are having to dig holes in the road so closures or lights cannot be removed during peak travel times like we do with other works.

These works ensure we all have access to gas, water electricity, internet and phones. Planned maintenance reduces the chances of emergency works needing to be carried out, like a burst water pipe which can leave people without water and damage the road.

Why are there roadworks but I cant see anyone working?

We occasionally get enquiries advising us that roadworks have been set up by utility companies but no works are taking place. Our streetworks inspectors regularly undertake on-site visits and follow up on these enquiries. There are many reasons why roadworks may be in place but it appears that nothing is happening, such as:

• When concrete and other materials, such new road surfaces, are drying, it takes time for them to reach the required strength in order for vehicles to drive or pedestrians to walk safely over it.
• Gas leaks can be fixed by spraying the inside of a main which takes time to dry before the main can be tested to ensure that the repair has worked. New sections of a main are pressure tested over a period to check for leaks.
• Parts need to be specially made in some cases and certain materials are difficult to get hold of. 
• Area of the road may have been undermined by a water leak or a collapsed sewer and it is not safe to open the road to traffic as the road may collapse.
• On larger projects, work may be being undertaken elsewhere. The scheme may require works in nearby locations whilst other excavations are still open. One example is jointing electricity mains, as it’s not practical to always close the joint hole whilst other mains are being laid.
• Service connections require work on private property. For a private gas supply, there is the connection to mains in the road or footway but a connection is also needed in the property. It is not practical to reinstate the excavation whilst this takes place in case further work is necessary in the road.
• They may have left site to collect additional materials or for a break, especially in adverse weather.
• When a new water main is installed, the new pipes need pressure testing and then chlorination. After 36 hours, a sample is taken to ensure it is safe to use. The site does not need to be manned during this period but it is inefficient to remove traffic management in case further work is needed.

This list is not conclusive of course, but covers some of the main reasons, especially that the gang may simply be having a break that they are legally entitled to take. They do work in difficult conditions and this is important for a safeguarding perspective.

Useful contacts

• Virgin Media 0333 000 5925
• Open Reach 0800 023 2023
• City Fibre 0800 083 6160 
• South East Water 0333 000 3330
• Thames Water: 0800 714 614 (clean water)  0800 316 9800 (waste water)
• SSE 105
• SGN 0345 454 1111

Can't find what you're looking for? 

Use our general highways enquiry to find out about existing or future road closures.