Street Works – Public FAQ
Why are these street works happening?
Street works are carried out for important reasons such as maintaining essential utilities (gas, water, electricity, telecoms), improving road safety, resurfacing roads or responding to emergencies. These works help keep services reliable and communities safe.
How are street works scheduled?
We carefully plan street works based on urgency, safety, traffic impact, and coordination with other projects. Councils and utility companies use mapping systems like One.Network to reduce disruption and avoid conflicts. Sometimes emergencies or infrastructure priorities can affect schedules, but we always aim to minimize inconvenience.
Why wasn’t I directly informed about these works?
We understand that unexpected work can be frustrating. While we aim to keep everyone informed, not all works require direct notification. For major projects or those likely to cause significant disruption, we send letters to affected properties. For smaller works, updates are shared through clear on-site signage and online platforms. You can always check One.Network for real-time updates.
Who is responsible for the work?
The organisation carrying out the work (known as the works promoter) is responsible. This could be a utility company, Gloucestershire Council, or a contractor. Contact details are usually displayed on-site and available via One.Network.
How long will the work take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the work. Estimated start and end dates are posted on signage near the site and online. We do our best to keep these timelines accurate and update them if things change.
What are the working hours?
Most work happens during the day, but some may occur overnight or on weekends to reduce disruption. Noisy work is generally limited to reasonable hours.
Will my access be affected?
Efforts are made to maintain access for residents, businesses, and emergency services. Temporary diversions or restricted access may be necessary, but these will be clearly signposted.
Will public transport be affected?
Bus routes may be diverted or stopped temporarily. Check with your local transport provider or council website for updates.
Why did work start without any notice?
Sometimes emergencies like gas leaks or water main bursts require immediate action to protect safety and prevent service loss. While advance notice is always preferred, emergency work is legally permitted to start without it. Updates will be provided as soon as possible via signage and online platforms.
Why is the work taking longer than originally stated?
Unexpected delays can happen due to poor weather, hidden underground conditions, safety concerns, or additional repair needs. Coordination with other utilities or emergency services may also extend timelines. We know delays are frustrating and will keep you informed whenever changes occur.
Why is nobody on site working?
Different stages of work often involve specialist teams. For example, one team may dig the hole, another repairs the leak, and others handle backfilling and resurfacing. There may be short gaps between these stages, but work is progressing.
How are road surfaces restored after work?
After completion, roads are reinstated to meet regulations. Temporary surfaces may be used first, followed by permanent repairs. Utility companies have up to six months to complete permanent reinstatement, which is guaranteed for two years after completion.
Are there penalties for overrunning work?
Yes. If works exceed agreed timeframes without valid reasons, promoters may face fines. Our Street Works team monitors compliance closely.
Why have signs and barriers been left behind?
Signs and barriers may remain temporarily to allow surfaces to cure properly. All sites must be cleared before closing the permit. If barriers remain after closure, the council can fine the promoter until they are removed.
Why do multiple jobs happen at the same time?
Sometimes work is scheduled together to reduce long-term disruption. Coordinating projects can minimise separate closures and speed up improvements. In busy areas, overlapping work may be unavoidable due to urgent needs or limited time windows.
Why can’t all work be carried out at the same time?
While coordination is encouraged, not all work can happen simultaneously due to technical, safety, or logistical reasons. Different utilities may require specialist equipment, sequencing tasks, or access to the same underground space at different times. Additionally, traffic management and public safety considerations often limit how much work can occur in one area at once.
Why do some roads get dug up repeatedly?
Different utilities may need access at different times. Coordination is improving, but sometimes urgent or unrelated work requires separate interventions.
How can I see what work is happening in my area?
One.Network is a free online map that shows real-time roadworks and permit info. You can use it to:
- See what’s happening on your street
- Check who’s doing the work and when
- Set up alerts for future work in your area
How to Set Up Alerts on One.Network
- Go to Causeway one.network and sign in or register
- Zoom into your area or search by postcode
- Choose what you want to see (roadworks, closures, events)
- Filter by impact level or promoter
- Click “Set Alert” and choose how often you want updates (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Confirm via email and manage alerts anytime from your profile
What should I do if I have a complaint or concern?
If you notice unsafe barriers, poor signage, or unfinished work, please contact the works promoter listed on-site or report issues using FixMyStreet. You can also email the Street Works team at streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk. Please include details such as location, date, and nature of the issue.