Road works are necessary to keep services running, protect safety, support the economy, and upgrade infrastructure that we all rely upon.
You'll find that:
- utility companies providing gas, water, sewage, electricity, telecoms, and internet
- organisations like Network Rail, Environment Agency and Royal Mail
- developers and private contractors
- and the council, maintaining and improving publicly owned highways; are in possession of legal rights to access the highway.
Information about current and planned works in your area is available on the roadworks map.
We operate the Dorset Council Permit Scheme which ensures we can facilitate works which are carried out safely and efficiently, for all highway users. The permit scheme imposes costs on organisations doing the work, and are greater generally where there is more impact.
The Scheme applies to the council's own works but costs are not imposed like they are for utilities.
Roadworks can be disruptive but they are also essential - because they ensure the safety, reliability, and functionality of the infrastructure we all depend upon every day.
Most works are identified and planned in advance, but emergency repairs may start without notice (see emergencies and service outages).
We coordinate activities to:
- balance competing needs of works promoters with the rights of the public to use the highway
- comply with legislation
- minimise disruption and improve network efficiency
- ensure safety of road users
See Department for Transport guidance we use to manage road works.
Responsibility of organisations doing work
Those carrying out essential activities are expected to:
- communicate with the council and plan in advance wherever possible
- follow legislation and codes of practice
- keep sites safe and restore the highway properly
- minimise disruption caused by their work
The role of the council
At a glance, we:
- coordinate and facilitate all works, placing conditions on works to try to minimise inconvenience on road users
- work to legislation and enforce where compliance is not being met
- oversee that safety and reinstatement standards are being maintained
- engage with key stakeholders locally and within the wider industry
Works on private roads require the consent of the landowner(s) and are not managed by the council.
Organisations and operatives doing work must:
- keep pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists safe with barriers, lighting, and clear signage
- regularly inspect their sites and maintain safety measures
- maintain pedestrian access to property
- accommodate the needs of disabled people and other vulnerable groups moving through the works site
- provide clear directions for navigating the site
- ensure workforce crews are dressed in appropriate workwear and use the right safety equipment
- be in possession of the relevant accreditations and qualifications
The council inspects sites to check they are compliant.
When reported, serious hazards must be made safe within 2 hours.
The level of disruption and traffic management usually determines if any notification is needed. Residents and businesses can track current and planned works in their area using the roadworks map.
The organisation carrying out the work is responsible for providing any notifications, which might be made via:
- letter drops
- advance warning signs at the road side
- face-to-face at the door step
Whilst there is no universal requirement to warn of works, but residents and businesses immediately affected by works could expect direct notification if:
- work is scheduled in the evening and will generate noise
- access to property will be significantly affected
- any utility services will be disrupted
- permit conditions require it
You shouldn't expect notification when:
- the work is an emergency, regardless of the time of day or night it starts
- there is no notable impact on access to property
If you have notification of works, you should contact the organisation responsible if you have an enquiry.
Whilst the council does act when there is excessive or unreasonable disruption, it is inevitable to expect that there will be disruption from some works at times.
Some works might cause local inconvenience for short periods of time; other projects or disruptive works might affect wider communities or thousands of road users for longer.
When works might affect you
Emergency or urgent activities
Things like gas leaks, burst water mains, and hazardous potholes often require immediate action without prior approval.
Some situations might have to be made safe with traffic management even before repairs are able to start.
Noise
Evening or night works need extra care and noise should be kept to a minimum after 11pm.
Essential repairs to dangerous situations or loss of services will proceed without delay, irrespective of the time of day or night.
Other works may be scheduled at night specifically to mitigate disruption to traffic in the daytime.
Traffic and pedestrians
To manage works more effectively, the council operates a permit scheme which ensures works are conducted in a controlled manner.
Conditions can be agreed with those carrying out the works which are designed to mitigate the impact on road users. Compliance with conditions are checked on site, with failures to do so resulting in fines.
Parking
If on-street permit parking facilities are removed during works, permit holders may be advised of alternative parking locations for the duration of the works.
If you need assistance, contact Parking Services.
Bus services and bus stops
When bus stops are affected, temporary stops may be provided if there is a safe alternative location.
Operators are notified of closures and major works in advance.
If you need assistance when travelling, contact the bus operator.
Rubbish and recycling collections
Dorset Waste Services is given advance notice of works with restrictions, like planned road closures.
Normally, arrangements will be made to maintain normal service, so please continue to put your bins out as normal on your usual collection day. If your rubbish or recycling is not collected, please let us know.
Driveways and access to property
Access to all affected properties should be maintained for pedestrians, but works may occasionally restrict access to property with off-road parking for short durations.
The council expects those responsible for works to inform residents and businesses out of courtesy, and where possible make reasonable adjustments to maintain access.
If you need access to your vehicle, consider parking it elsewhere if you can.
For specific arrangements and assistance, contact the organisation doing the work.
Loss of business claims
The council will not process claims for loss of business due to roadworks or road closures.
Successive governments have taken the view that businesses should not have the right in law to any particular level of passing trade, and that traders must take the risk of loss due to temporary disruption of traffic flow along with all the other various risks of running a business. Therefore, there is no statutory provision for compensation by the Highway Authority (as opposed to a utility) if a business is affected by roadworks.
You may find that some utility companies have compensation schemes, so contact the organisation responsible for the work.
'Immediate' works are unscheduled works of a critical nature that need to be undertaken without delay.
Legislation explicitly permits organisations to start work without giving advance notice to the council, when the aim of the work is to:
- prevent or resolve a dangerous situation
- prevent or resolve an unplanned interruption to supply, avoid substantial loss, or reconnect a supply
The decision as to whether that criteria is met, is made by the organisation responsible for the work.
Such specific situations might include:
- dangerous potholes, broken manhole covers, and other road surface defects
- burst mains, loss of water supply, gas leaks and power cuts
- loss of phone or internet services
Traffic management might need to be installed even before the main repairs can be resourced to start.
The council ensures that the duration of works are both reasonable and not prolonged.
Most of the time, works are completed within the original duration proposed. Any extensions to the duration are requested by the organisation responsible for the work, and they must properly evidence the reasons. Organisations are charged if they need to extend their permits.
Durations can be affected by:
- urgency - emergency works often lack detailed advance planning
- weather and ground conditions
- complex traffic management arrangements
- material, equipment and workforce availability
- working hour restrictions or permit conditions
- coordination and collaboration between organisations
Whilst the council expects works to be completed as safely and as quickly as possible, there are several reasons why there may not be operatives working or visible at sites:
- the site may not be immediately safe to work on until the original problem is bought under control
- work may be happening in areas you can’t easily see, such as in chambers, trenches or behind equipment
- crews may be waiting for materials, machinery or specialist teams to arrive
- reinstatements need time to set or cure - this can take several hours in some cases
- workers may be on a legally entitled scheduled break or changing shifts
- the team may have been temporarily called away to deal with another urgent issue
The council monitors site activity through inspections to ensure road space is being used responsibly.
In many cases, roads are closed because they are not wide enough to accommodate the required works while allowing traffic to pass safely at the same time.
Roads sometimes have to be closed without notice in the event of emergencies. The majority however are known about in advance and can be planned.
When road closures are first planned
The organisation responsible for the work and traffic management determines that a road closure is required, and applies to the council.
How affected parties are notified of planned road closures
The council's process ensures that key services and community representatives are given the opportunity to make any representations:
- Dorset Waste Services
- school transport
- mobile libraries
- social services
- emergency services
- bus operators
- councillors
- local town and parish councils
The council cannot personally notify every business or resident affected by each road closure. The general public can stay informed about closures by using the roadworks map, where the council carries out stakeholder engagement for a period of time before planned works start. The council is also legally required to advertise any planned closures lasting more than five consecutive calendar days in the local area press.
In respect of planned road closures, organisations responsible for closing them are expected to:
- install advance warning signs at the road side at least one week before the closure
- notify all affected residences, businesses, and services situated along the extent of the road closure
During road closures
When roads are closed:
- access to property for pedestrians on foot should be maintained
- businesses will be open as usual
- it is criminal offence to drive through
- there might be restrictions on other road users described in public notices - these are available on the roadworks map.
Access for Emergency services must be maintained or there must be suitable alternative arrangements agreed.
For those immediately affected by road closures, some general access arrangements may be supported by:
- operatives stationed at closure points to direct traffic
- road signs on site indicating any diversions or exemptions, such as "Access only"
Specific access arrangements at any one time, often depend on site conditions and cannot be guaranteed or known about in advance. Contact the organisation responsible for the works to discuss access or please speak to a member of the workforce.
Diversions
Drivers should follow the signed diversion route recommended for their type of vehicle.
Diversions may not always be the most direct option, but they are designed to use roads of the same or higher network classification.
Drivers local to the area may know and use alternative routes, and they can legitimately, provided they are public highways and used legally.
Satellite navigation (Sat-Nav)
Road closures and other restrictions are legally enforceable only through signing placed on site when a traffic order is in effect.
Drivers should follow road signs and instructions on site, and not rely on digital navigation tools which are just a guide.
The council is legally responsible for producing and publishing traffic orders for closures and other restrictions. The government is developing a digital service for traffic orders with the intention of improving existing services, for example, sat-nav routing and to reduce congestion by providing information on road closures.
Restrictions limit specific works that utility companies may carry out in areas that have been substantially constructed or improved at public expense.
Such works include:
- full resurfacing
- full reconstruction
- road widening
These activities involve the removal and replacement of some or all layers that make up the road construction. Depending on individual circumstances, restrictions can be enforced for up to three years after completion.
Restrictions must be advertised in advance, allowing utility companies time to carry out any necessary works that might otherwise be postponed.
Exemptions
The council cannot place any restrictions on works which do not alter the construction of the surface, and treatments include:
- footway slurry seal
- surface dressing
- re-texturing
- micro-surfacing
These are just preventative treatments designed to extend the life of the surface by sealing minor cracks and reducing oxidation at the surface - which might contribute to structural issues in the longer term. Later excavations do not undo the value of surface treatments. The treatment options still slow down wear and tear, reduce water damage and keeps the surface in better condition for longer.
Where restrictions are in effect, there remains some further exemptions, which continues to permit some types of work, including:
- 'Immediate' works of a critical nature that need to be undertaken without delay (emergency and urgent activities)
- new customer connections
- minor, non-invasive works
The council cannot unreasonably delay these activities.
Where any excavation is required, there is no legislation that allows the council to mandate any reinstatement requirements beyond the minimum acceptable standard.
The Government has set ambitious targets to bring faster broadband to the UK. To achieve this, fibre networks are being rapidly installed across the country.
Fibre companies have legal rights to work in the public highway, just like gas, electricity, and water providers, and they must follow strict rules when carrying out these works.
Repeated works
They are private businesses competing with each other, and do not usually coordinate their plans. This means you might see different companies working in the same area at different times.
Please contact the organisation doing the work.
Driveways and access to property during fibre works
Access to all affected properties should be maintained for pedestrians, but works may occasionally restrict access to property with off-road parking for short durations whilst trenches are worked.
The council expects those responsible for works to inform residents and businesses out of courtesy, and where possible make reasonable adjustments to maintain access.
If you need access to your vehicle, consider parking it elsewhere if you can.
For specific arrangements and assistance, contact the organisation doing the work.
Trenches and reinstatements
Visible evidence of trenches and reinstatements will remain after works are complete. The council ensures reinstatements meet technical standards and that sites are left safe, but it cannot mandate a specification that leaves no visible trace of construction.
The Government is encouraging the switch to electric vehicles to help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality across the UK. To support this transition, the council is working with approved providers installing more electric vehicle (EV) charging points in local streets and car parks.
These charging providers are private companies, and each one operates independently.
EV charging companies must follow the same rules as other organisations working on the road, to ensure the safety of road users and minimise disruption.
Equipment includes:
- telecoms masts under 15 metres in height
- cabinets and other above ground apparatus
If you have a concern or complaint about the placing of a newly installed piece of equipment in the highway, you should contact the organisation responsible for putting it there.
The highway network is the council’s largest asset. Our priority is to maintain the integrity and structure and minimise public costs.
Legislation and codes of practice outline:
- how reinstatements should be completed and to what standard
- how sites should be inspected after works conclude
Most reinstatements are guaranteed for two years, during which any failures are rectified by the organisation responsible for the reinstatement, not the council.
Staining and material residue on conclusion of works
Organisations doing the work must leave sites clear of spoil and materials, leaving no moderate or heavy deposits of silt, mud or sand.
Minor dusting or staining may persist, but will naturally fade or wash away with rainfall.
Reinstatements in roads and pavements
Organisations must match reinstatement materials to the surrounding surface for consistency and durability.
Codes of practice generally prioritise the structural integrity of road reinstatement over aesthetic appearance. There is no legislation that allows the council to mandate any reinstatement requirements beyond the minimum acceptable standard, so visible evidence of trenches and reinstatements will remain after works have finished.
Interim reinstatements are sometimes necessary but should be made permanent within six months.
Some reinstatements need a period to settle before traffic can safely use the area, so traffic management may remain in place during this time.
Reinstatements in maintained verges
Organisations must rake, topsoil, and seed disturbed verges and a reasonable level of growth should be achieved within 12 months.
Addressing defective reinstatements
The council aims to inspect as many reinstatements as possible within two years of completion to check compliance.
If defects are found, the responsible organisation must make arrangements to fix them promptly - immediately if hazardous.
Report any unsafe works sites or hazardous situations that require immediate attention by telephone, on 01305 221020.
Contact the organisation responsible for the work
Please contact the organisation responsible for the work to discuss:
- proposals. phases and dates of work
- how access to businesses and properties might be affected
- delays, disruption and impacts during works
- behaviour and conduct of site staff
You can identify which organisation is responsible through information boards or signs on site, or on the roadworks map. You can also contact the council about it's own highway works.
Contacting the council
You can contact us directly if:
- there are compliance issues, like works starting earlier or finishing later than published times
- there are issues with site cleanliness and reinstatements after works
- signs and apparatus have been left after works have finished
- we've fallen short of our commitments to you in respect of our statutory duties outlined in this guide
If you we receive enquiries about specific works, they may be redirected to the organisation responsible if it is determined they are best placed to advise you.