Streetworks - your questions answered
We receive lots of questions about streetworks. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers.
Q1 Why does National Grid have to dig up the roads - isn't there a better alternative?
To operate a safe and efficient gas supply network it is necessary to continually invest in and improve our existing assets. We have a continuing mains replacement programme, and Streetworks are an inevitable part of delivering such programmes. Whenever possible we use new technology to help minimise disruption, such as inserting the new pipe inside the original main. These can help speed up the process and reduce the need for digging trenches.
Q2 Why can't National Grid share its trenches with other utilities or at least carry out work at the same time?
Sometimes this can be done. However, there are often reasons why it just isn't possible. For example, it is sometimes the case that pipes /cables need to be physically in different places. Or the technology being used means that trenches aren't required for National Grid to carry out the necessary work. And in the case of gas emergency work, this is not work that has been planned in advance and therefore co-ordination with other Streetworks activity isn't an option. Safety is National Grid's number one priority and if we are called to deal with a gas leak, we must carry out whatever work is necessary as quickly as possible.
Q3 Why does it often appear to passers-by that your workmen are standing around drinking tea, or that the work area appears to be deserted?
A number of the processes involved in National Grid's Streetworks require a certain amount of time in between operations e.g. to allow for concrete to fully harden to ensure the road is reinstated to the required specification. Where this is the case, it is practical for the workmen to take a break, or to perhaps do some of the paperwork associated with the job. It is worth pointing out that in the case of planned works, National Grid has to complete projects within timescales agreed with local authorities - or risk paying penalties for 'overstaying'. So time really is money.
Q4 Does National Grid co-ordinate its works in an effective manner?
National Grid plans its streetworks in full consultation with local authorities and makes every effort to minimise the impact of any work. Like other utilities that need to carry out Streetworks, National Grid is required to notify local authorities about all planned works and their duration. We hold regular liaison meetings with local authorities and other utilities to discuss plans and where possible, look for opportunities to co-ordinate our activities.
Of course, in cases where we are called to deal with a gas emergency, safety is our top priority and it is not possible to timetable such work in advance.
Q5 What kind of measures do you take to minimise disruption?
National Grid always aims to keep businesses, customers and motorists advised of any major planned work in their vicinity. We send out standard advance warning notices to people, and where appropriate, carry out personal visits. In some cases, we organise public exhibitions to explain what the plans are and why the work is necessary. This also provides a forum for people to ask questions and discuss some of the detail.
Once work is started, we put up signs to help direct motorists and pedestrians and offer a helpline phone number that the public can call if they have any concerns. We also provide information to AA Roadwatch and the local media.
Q6 Wouldn't you complete the work more quickly if you worked around the clock?
We need to be aware of, and sympathetic to, the needs of businesses, residents and those who use the area. We also need to ensure that any noisy work is not carried out in a particularly intrusive, anti-social, way.
Q7 Why do you take so much room up when carrying out roadworks - for example, taking up two lanes when surely one would do?
Often, the scale and extent of projects requires the use of heavy plant and equipment. To allow room for the safe manoeuvre and maintenance of such equipment is clearly important. At the same time, the safety of the public must be ensured. We are also governed by the location of any existing mains. We try and minimise any disruption and the amount of road space taken up will vary as the project progresses - but at all times, we must have safety uppermost in our minds.
Q8 Why do you sometimes reappear and dig again in the same place?
There could be a number of different reasons for this happening. If we are called to deal with a gas escape, then we have a statutory responsibility to attend the location and make it safe. Work of this nature cannot be planned. Or it may be that other people working in the same place have fractured a gas pipe or displaced it. Again, we have to attend to carry out any necessary maintenance or repairs. Another possible reason might be if we were asked by a customer to provide a new connection, perhaps to a new property or to premises previously without gas.
Q9 You've been doing work at a site near me for weeks but you appear to have abandoned it and just left the hole open. What's going on?
There are usually sound operational reasons why a hole has not been filled back in. For example, the nature of our work means it is often necessary for an excavation to remain open to provide an access to a part of the network in connection with other work that is taking place locally.
Q10 Why don't you take down your traffic lights and hoardings as soon as you've finished a job?
Although it may appear that there is no-one working on the site, it doesn't mean the work has actually been completed. Sometimes, for safety reasons, we have to allow one process to 'settle' before starting the next stage. Even after the main work has been completed, we cannot reinstate the ground in one go - a temporary surface will be laid but this has to be given time to settle before the top layer (of concrete, asphalt etc) can, in turn, be laid and set. Only when this full reinstatement has taken place is it safe for us to allow traffic to use the section of the road once more.
Q11 If my business suffers how do I qualify for compensation?
It is essential that National Grid carry out the work and our engineers work hard to make sure that disruption to homes and businesses are kept to a minimum. However, there will inevitably be some disruption and may include some businesses that do not use gas.
You may qualify if you are a small business which relies on people being able to visit your premises for your business to carry out normal trade.
Claims can only be made in respect of planned gas mains replacement work and not in respect of work carried out to deal with gas emergencies or escapes
Certain criteria must be met in order to make a claim, as set out by the Gas (Streetworks) (Compensation of small businesses) Regulations 1996.
How to claim - For further information on making a claim
Telephone 0845 070 0203 or
Write to: National Grid, Customer Support, Lakeside House, The Lakes, Northampton NN4 7HD or
Download Information and Claim Form