Co-ordination and collaboration play a central role. The highways department works closely with utility companies to co-ordinate their works effectively. This collaboration includes regular meetings, sharing of schedules, and joint planning to minimise disruptions and ensure that resurfacing works are not compromised by subsequent excavations.
The streetworks permit scheme regulates all works conducted on the public highway. Utility companies are required to obtain permits from the highways department before carrying out any excavation or roadworks.
Through this scheme, the highways department can control the timing, location, and duration of works, thereby minimising the impact on recently resurfaced roads.
In addition the highways department sets stringent quality standards for roadworks, including resurfacing works. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that the quality of the works meets these standards. Utility companies are obligated to adhere to these standards, and any substandard work that may undermine the integrity of the road surface are addressed promptly.
Performance monitoring and penalties are also employed to ensure compliance with streetworks regulations. The highways department monitors the performance of utility companies regarding the quality of their works and compliance with permit conditions. Fines may be imposed for any breaches, acting as deterrents and incentivising utility companies to coordinate their works more effectively.
Furthermore, the highways department explores innovative techniques and technologies to minimise the need for disruptive excavations and reduce the frequency of roadworks. This may include the use of trenchless technologies for laying utilities underground without extensive digging, thereby preserving the integrity of the road surface.
Proactive communication with the public is essential. The highways department engages in social media campaigns to inform residents about upcoming roadworks, the reasons behind them, and the measures being taken to minimise disruption. By keeping the community informed, the highways department can manage expectations and garner support for their efforts to maintain road quality.
The total amount of investment in the maintenance of local highway networks for the most recent 5 years.