Report No FR0260

March 1992

I OBJECTIVES

To provide guidance on highway reinstatement under the New Roads and Street Works Act from planning the initial reinstatement strategy, through all stages of selection and implementation of the reinstatement to monitoring performance.

II REASONS

The UK Water Industry makes many thousands of openings within highways each year, all of which need some form of reinstatement. New legislation (The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991) imposes profound changes on reinstatement practices throughout the UK. The Regulations and Codes of Practice which support the New Roads and Street Works Act indicate what may be done, but do not explain the implications of the various options. Sound practical guidance will improve the likelihood of performing reinstatements to the consistently high standard required by the new legislation. This in turn will improve the cost effectiveness of reinstatement to the benefit of both the companies and their customers.

III RESUME OF CONTENTS

This document starts with an indication of the changes introduced by the New Roads and Street Works Act- and then concentrates on the new specification for excavation and reinstatement. This is followed by a more detailed assessment of the various reinstatement options and the implications of selecting the various options. The document also draws upon experience gained in WRc field trials, related visits to trials organised by other bodies within the water industry, and discussions with other parties interested in reinstatement (e.g. contractors, equipment manufacturers, other utilities and relevant local and national government bodies

IV CONCLUSIONS

A high standard of highway reinstatement is attainable by following the requirements of the New Roads G Street Works Act 1991. Conventional reinstatement practice does not comply with the requirements of the New Act. Successful implementation of the New Act and its supporting documents is essential if its requirements are to be met.

This guidance document enables the requirements, particularly the specification, to be interpreted in a practical and achievable way.

V RECOMMENDATIONS

Successful implementation of the New Roads and Street Works Act will require significant financial and operational commitment. The water industry should make this commitment at the earliest opportunity and at the highest level. Failure to do so could lead to a loss of public confidence, financial penalties, and stricter regulatory conditions.

Copies of the report are available from FWR, price £35.00, less 20% to FWR Members.