Why there are roadworks but no one is 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. 
• An 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.