Reinstatement
QA inspection checklist

Excavation & Formation

1. 1.

   Excavation to correct depth and extent
   What to look forExcavation matches the permit / notice extent. Depth measured from existing road surface to formation. Cuts in surfacing made with disc cutter giving clean vertical edges. No undermining of surrounding pavement.
   Acceptable whenPer Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH) 4th Ed: edges saw-cut vertical and ≥ 100 mm beyond any soft / damaged area. Depth to formation per layer schedule for the road category (Type 0-4).
   StandardNRSWA 1991 — New Roads and Street Works Act. SROH 4th Edition (2019). Streetworks UK Code of Practice.
   Common defectsEdges feathered, not vertical — joint fails within monthsExcavation extent exceeds permit — overrun chargesDepth too shallow — cannot fit full reinstatement scheduleSurface course chased back without re-cutting before relayUndermined adjacent slab — collapse on traffic
2. 2.

   Formation level clean and free from loose material
   What to look forFormation swept clean, no loose spoil. Stable underfoot — no soft spots or pumping. Free of standing water, oil, or contaminants. No exposed/damaged services. Any over-dig back-filled with engineered material before testing.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A4: formation cleaned and inspected; no soft areas. Geotextile separator if required. Formation tested by appearance / proof-roll. Engineer sign-off where critical (Type 0/1 roads).
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A4. NRSWA 1991. SHW Series 600 (where roads are adopted).
   Common defectsLoose spoil left on formation — voids between layers laterSoft spot covered without remediation — settlement afterStanding water — softens formationService exposed and damaged but not reportedOver-dig filled with whatever was at hand — uncontrolled
3. 3.

   No water standing in excavation
   What to look forTrench dewatered before any backfill placed. Pump location keeps water moving without disturbing subsoil. Discharge to gully or surface water sewer — not flooding adjacent property. Sumps cleaned out and removed.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH and best practice: trench bottom dry before backfill; pumping below original groundwater level requires Environment Agency / sewerage undertaker consent. Discharge filtered (silt fencing) before release.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. SHW Series 600.
   Common defectsBackfill placed in water — fines wash out, voidsDischarge to highway flooding drivewayNo silt control — fines into watercourse, EA finePump positioned in trench — fines disturbed by suctionSump fill not removed before backfill
4. 4.

   Existing services protected and supported
   What to look forLive services exposed in trench supported with timber, sandbags, or proprietary support. Cables not bent below minimum radius. Temporary protection (e.g. concrete tiles, polymer cable cover) over services left in service. Service owners notified per HSG47.
   Acceptable whenPer HSG47 (Avoiding danger from underground services): minimum bend radius respected; mechanical support provided if not self-supporting; protection at end of works. Non-NRSWA undertakers (e.g. private cables) given written notice.
   StandardHSE HSG47:2014 — Avoiding danger from underground services. NRSWA 1991. CDM Regulations 2015.
   Common defectsCable hanging unsupported — kinks at bendService struck during excavation — not reported, hazardProtection tile broken not replacedWrong service identified — wrong utility informedPipe re-supported with single offcut — inadequate
5. 5.

   Trench sides stable — battering or support adequate
   What to look forTrench > 1.2 m deep has shoring / battering / trench box per CDM and HSE guidance. Support extends to top of trench. Spoil heap set back from edge (typically 1 m). Edge protection / barriers around opening for public safety.
   Acceptable whenPer HSE HSG185 / CDM 2015: trenches > 1.2 m must be supported, battered, or shored. Battering angle per soil type — 1:1 cohesive, 1:1.5 granular as guide. Spoil > 1 m back from edge. Ladder access every 25 m.
   StandardHSE HSG185:1998 — Health and safety in excavations. CDM Regulations 2015. NRSWA 1991 Section 65 (safety).
   Common defectsTrench > 1.5 m unsupported — collapse riskSpoil at edge — surcharge causes collapseNo ladder access — workers jumping in/outEdge protection missing — public fall riskShoring only at top — middle bulges

Backfill & Compaction

1. 6.

   Backfill material matches specification (Type 1, Class B, etc.)
   What to look forBackfill class per SROH layer schedule — surround/lower bedding (Class C/B), upper bedding (Class A), surround granular (Type 1). Delivery tickets retained. Visual confirmation — no clay, no organic, no oversize. Recycled aggregates per SROH Annex.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A6 / Annex: material classes per traffic category and layer position. Type 1 sub-base to SHW Clause 803. Class A backfill granular and compactable. Recycled aggregates allowed if tested per SROH Annex.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A6 and Annex. SHW Clause 803 (Type 1). BS EN 13242 (aggregates).
   Common defectsWrong class delivered — strength does not developType 1 omitted — backfill direct to base courseSite-won spoil reused (cohesive, not allowed) — fails compactionOversize > 75 mm — voidsNo tickets — class unverified
2. 7.

   Layers placed at correct thickness

   Record: Layer depth (mm)
   What to look forBackfill placed in lifts of correct compacted thickness — typically 100 mm for vibrating plate, 150 mm for trench rammer, up to 225 mm for vibrating roller. Each layer compacted before next placed. Layer marked or measured to control thickness.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Table A1 / SHW Clause 612: lift thickness per plant type and material; passes per plant per Table 6/4. Plate compactor 100 mm Type 1; rammer 150 mm; roller 225 mm.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Table A1. SHW Series 600 Table 6/4.
   Common defectsLift thickness exceeded — only top compacts, lower part looseNumber of passes not countedPlate not crossing entire layer — strips uncompactedWrong plant for material — design density not achievedLayers not staggered — joints in line through depth
3. 8.

   Compaction achieved — plate/roller passes correct
   What to look forNumber of passes per layer per Table A1 / 6/4. No springiness or pumping under plant. Plate covers full area. Edges and corners hand-rammed where plant cannot reach. Visible reduction in surface level after each pass shows compaction.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Table A1: typical 6-8 passes per 100 mm layer for vibrating plate on Type 1; varies by material and plant. End-product compaction: ≥ 95% MDD where end-product spec is used.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Table A1. SHW Series 600 Table 6/4.
   Common defectsInadequate passes — soft layer trapped at depthPlate stationary — over-compaction in one spot, under elsewhereEdges loose because plant cannot reachNo witness of compaction routine — compliance unverifiedCompaction record not kept (passes, plant, time)
4. 9.

   Compaction test results acceptable

   Record: Dry density / CBR
   What to look forCompaction tests (where end-product spec used) by nuclear gauge or sand replacement at frequencies in spec. Results compared against MDD from BS 1377-4. Frequency typically 1 test per 50 m of trench, more on Type 0 / 1 roads.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH end-product specification: ≥ 95% MDD typical for granular backfill. CBR test on formation if required by category. Tests at random and at any visually suspect zones.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Annex 3. BS 1377-9 (in-situ tests). BS 1377-4 (lab compaction).
   Common defectsDensity < 95% MDD — settlement after surfacingTests biased to easy locationsNuclear gauge not calibrated for materialTest frequency below specNo records — compliance unverifiable
5. 10.

   No contaminated or oversize material in backfill
   What to look forBackfill visually free of asbestos, hydrocarbons, demolition waste with rebar, or other contaminants. No oversize > 75 mm in surround layers. No frost-heaved material. Contaminated spoil excluded — sent to licensed disposal.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH and Environmental Protection Act 1990: no contaminated material in reinstatement. Oversize per SROH Annex limits. Asbestos suspected = stop work, isolate, test.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. Environmental Protection Act 1990 — Duty of Care. Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
   Common defectsHydrocarbon-stained spoil reused — contamination spreadBrick / concrete demolition spoil with rebar in backfillAsbestos cement fragments — not tested or removedFrost-heaved fines used in winter trenchOversize > 75 mm at pipe surround — point load
6. 11.

   Warning tape / marker tape installed above services
   What to look forDetectable warning tape (gas yellow, water blue, electric red, telecoms green per BS 1710) placed 200-300 mm above each service. Tape continuous, no breaks. Detectable type for buried plastic services to allow CAT detection.
   Acceptable whenPer HSG47 / utility companies' standards: warning tape 250 mm above service nominally. Detectable (with metal foil core) for plastic services. Marker posts above gas/electric where appropriate.
   StandardHSE HSG47. NJUG Guidelines for Burial Depth. Utility-specific specs (Gas Industry Standard PR/UPDRG, Electricity ENA G39, Water UK SfA).
   Common defectsNo tape — future digger has no warningWrong colour — wrong utility identifiedTape > 600 mm above service — too high to warnTape buried at depth not allowing CAT detectionNon-detectable tape over plastic pipe — no response on CAT scan

Sub-Base & Base Course

1. 12.

   Sub-base material correct (Type 1 granular / CBM)
   What to look forType 1 granular sub-base to SHW Clause 803 OR CBM (cement bound material) where specified for road category. Delivery tickets per load. Material visually correct — well-graded with full size range. Conformity per Factory Production Control.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A6 / SHW Clause 803: Type 1 grading per Table 8/3, plasticity index zero. CBM 1-3 strength class per design. Recycled materials per SROH Annex.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. SHW Clause 803 / 822 (CBM). BS EN 13242 / 14227-1.
   Common defectsType 2 supplied where Type 1 requiredExcess fines — pumping under loadCBM mix not certified — strength unknownNo tickets — non-compliantMaterial wet on placement — compaction fails
2. 13.

   Sub-base compacted to specification

   Record: Depth (mm)
   What to look forSub-base placed and compacted in lifts to design depth. Final surface even, no rutting under construction traffic. Depth measured by trial pit / depth gauge. Surface trimmed to grade for binder course.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Annex / SHW Clause 803.7: design depth ±10 mm; compaction by method spec or end-product (95% MDD). Surface tolerance ±15 mm under 3 m straightedge.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. SHW Clause 803.
   Common defectsDepth less than spec — full pavement schedule does not fitSurface uneven — surfacing thickness has to be made upCompaction inadequate — sub-base rutsSub-base contaminated by mud from plantNo depth records
3. 14.

   Levels correct — falls match existing road profile

   Record: Level deviation (mm)
   What to look forReinstatement profile matches surrounding road levels at edges. No high spots or hollows. Crossfall continues smoothly through reinstated area. Adjacent kerb / channel levels respected. Surface drains as before — water flows to gullies.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A11.1: surface flush with surrounding ±6 mm in carriageway, ±10 mm footway. Crossfall matches adjacent road. No standing water > 24 hours after rain.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A11. SHW Series 700.
   Common defectsReinstatement proud or sunken at edges — trip / vehicle bounceCrossfall reversed — water pondsLevel drops at gully — gully now too lowAdjacent kerb hidden / over-pavedLong-wave dish over reinstatement after settlement
4. 15.

   Base course (binder) laid at correct temperature

   Record: Temp (°C)
   What to look forMix delivered above minimum laydown temperature. Temperature checked at lorry, in paver, and behind paver before rolling. No cold material laid. Insulated tipper sheets used in cool weather. Mix not stockpiled and re-heated.
   Acceptable whenPer SHW Clauses 911-913 / SROH: minimum laydown temperature varies by mix and binder grade — typically ≥ 110°C (40/60 pen), ≥ 120°C (50/70). Cessation criteria below minimum.
   StandardSHW Series 900. SROH 4th Ed Section A9. BS EN 13108-1 (asphalt concrete).
   Common defectsMaterial below 110°C — does not compact, voids highSpread out before tipper temperature checkedMix sat in lorry > 1 hour — temperature dropSurface crusted before rolling — cracks in finished matNo temperature records — non-compliant
5. 16.

   Base course thickness correct

   Record: Thickness (mm)
   What to look forCompacted thickness verified at trial holes / cores. Layer brought up uniformly across area, no thin patches. Match the road category schedule per SROH (Type 0-4 has different layer thicknesses).
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Table A2 / SHW: typical binder course 60-80 mm; surface course 30-40 mm; total flexible to design. Thickness ±10 mm of design.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Tables A2-A4 (layer schedule per road category). SHW Series 900.
   Common defectsBinder course thinner than spec — layer cracks under loadLayer "feathered" at edges — fails first winterTotal construction thinner than required for trafficCores show thin patch — local under-rollNo core / trial pit — thickness unverified
6. 17.

   Tack coat applied at joints
   What to look forTack coat (cationic emulsion C40B4 or PMB) applied to all bonded surfaces — sub-base, between binder and surface, and at vertical edges. Even coverage, no puddles or misses. Allowed to break (turn black) before next layer placed.
   Acceptable whenPer SHW Clauses 920 / SROH: tack rate 0.2-0.4 L/m² residual bitumen on prepared base; vertical joints painted to provide bond. Allowed to break before paving (typically 30 min).
   StandardSHW Clause 920. SROH 4th Ed.
   Common defectsNo tack on vertical joint — cold joint, longitudinal crackTack puddled — no bond, slipTack rate too low — premature joint failurePaving over wet tack — emulsion entrained, no bondNo tack between binder and surface course

Surface Course

1. 18.

   Surface course material matches specification (AC10/AC14/SMA)
   What to look forSurface course matches existing road material — AC10/AC14 dense asphalt, SMA, HRA, or modified mixes. Match achieved on adopted highways for warranty purposes. Mix design / Manufacturer's Certificate retained.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH and the highway authority specification: surface course matches the existing road wear course wherever practicable — AC10 surface 100/150 / SMA / HRA. PSV per BS EN 13043 to suit road category. CE/UKCA per BS EN 13108.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Annex / SHW Series 900 Clauses 911-942. BS EN 13108-1 (AC) / -5 (SMA) / -4 (HRA).
   Common defectsWrong material — mismatch with existing, visible patch, premature failureCheaper mix substituted — lower PSVNo manufacturer cert — non-compliantMismatched binder grade — different ageing characteristicRecycled content above spec limit
2. 19.

   Laid at correct temperature

   Record: Temp (°C)
   What to look forSurface course laid above cessation temperature. Temperature checked at lorry, in paver hopper, and behind paver. Rolling within compaction window — typically completed before mat falls below 80°C (binder dependent). Rolling pattern documented.
   Acceptable whenPer SHW Clause 911 / Table 9/14: surface course laydown ≥ 130°C (50/70 binder), with cessation criteria below. Compaction complete before temperature drops below 80°C.
   StandardSHW Series 900 Table 9/14. SROH 4th Ed Section A9. BS EN 13108.
   Common defectsTemperature too low — compaction fails, voidsRolling left too late — mat too cool, no further densityMix carted too far — cooled below cessationInsulating sheets not used — heat loss in transitNo temperature record
3. 20.

   Thickness correct

   Record: Thickness (mm)
   What to look forCompacted surface thickness measured by depth gauge or core. Thickness consistent across area. Ironwork built up from below where required to achieve thickness. Joints not feathered to make up depth.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Tables A2-A4: typical surface course 30-40 mm; ±5 mm of design. Cores at 1 per 100 m² in adoption schemes.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. SHW Series 900.
   Common defectsThickness < 25 mm — durability halvedFeathered edge — ravels in 1 winterThickness measured before compaction — over-specHidden thin spots — only show as cracks later
4. 21.

   Regularity within tolerance — no rocking straightedge

   Record: Deviation (mm)
   What to look for3 m straightedge across surface in multiple directions. Edge rests flat, no rocking. No birdbaths, no high spots. Long-wave undulation absent. Joints flush — no step at lap.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A11.2 / SHW Clause 702: surface regularity ±3 mm in 3 m straightedge for carriageway; ±6 mm for footway. No standing water > 4 mm depth.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A11. SHW Clause 702.
   Common defectsRocking straightedge > 5 mm — non-compliant, ride qualityBirdbath at gully — water pondsLong-wave from auger feed irregularityJoint step ≥ 5 mm — bumpy rideNo regularity record
5. 22.

   Joints clean, straight, and properly sealed
   What to look forJoints between new and existing pavement vertical, clean, and straight. Tack-painted before lay. Sealed with bitumen joint paint or proprietary tape after compaction. No fanning of mat at edges.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A8: joints saw-cut vertical, painted with hot-applied joint sealant after compaction. Joint sealant per BS EN 14188-1.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A8. BS EN 14188-1 (joint sealants).
   Common defectsJoint open in 1 winter — no joint paint afterJoint not vertical — mat thin at topFanned edges instead of straight cutNo tack to joint face — bond failsJoint paint missing on hidden side
6. 23.

   Surface texture acceptable — no fatting up or dragging
   What to look forTexture uniform across area. No "fatting up" (binder rich, smooth, slippery) — sign of bleeding or over-compaction. No "dragging" (rough, ravels) — sign of cold mat or paver issue. Matches surrounding road texture for skid resistance.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH / SHW Clause 921: surface texture uniform; on high-speed roads texture depth (sand patch test) per design. PSV achieved by aggregate selection.
   StandardSHW Clause 921. SROH 4th Ed. BS EN 13036-1 (sand patch). BS EN 1097-8 (PSV).
   Common defectsBleeding (fat-up) — slippery surface, low skidOpen texture / ravelling — weak surface, water entryDrag marks behind paver — un-rolledTexture different from surrounding road — visible patchTyre marks / scuffing from premature trafficking
7. 24.

   Core samples taken (if required)
   What to look forCore samples (typically 100 mm dia) cut from middle of reinstatement at frequencies in highway authority spec. Cores assessed for compacted thickness, layer integrity, and PRD (compaction). Holes immediately reinstated with hot mix.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Annex 3: cores at 1 per 50 m of trench typical, more for Type 0/1. PRD ≥ 93% surface course; air voids 4-7%. Core hole reinstated within 24 hours.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Annex 3. BS EN 12697-6 (PRD). BS EN 12697-39 (binder content).
   Common defectsCores not taken — compaction unverified, defects-period extendedCore hole reinstated cold — water entryCore shows < 93% PRD — premature failure likelyLayer separation at binder/surface — bond failedNo record of cores

Ironwork & Reinstatement

1. 25.

   Manhole covers set to correct level — flush with surface

   Record: Level (mm)
   What to look forCover and frame level with surrounding road surface ±3 mm. Frame bedded in non-shrink mortar or epoxy resin. No rocking. Frame square in opening. Concrete collar / chair built up from chamber to frame correctly.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A12 / SHW Clause 506: cover ±3 mm of surface (carriageway), ±6 mm footway. Frame bedded in approved bedding (e.g. Plastic Repair, Setcrete). Frame to BS EN 124 Class D400 in carriageway.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A12. BS EN 124-2 (covers and frames). SHW Clause 506.
   Common defectsCover proud — vehicle damage, noiseCover sunken — pothole formed quicklyFrame loose — rocks under traffic, breaksWrong class cover (B125 in road) — collapses under HGVNo bedding mortar / mortar shrunk — frame bouncing
2. 26.

   Gully gratings clear and at correct level
   What to look forGully grating set 5-10 mm below adjacent surface so water enters. Frame bedded firmly. Chamber clear of construction debris. Anti-rattle pads in place where fitted.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH and SHW Clause 511: gully top 5 mm below carriageway. Class D400. Chamber clean. Catchpit cleared.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. BS EN 124. SHW Clause 511.
   Common defectsGully proud — water bypassesConstruction debris in chamber — drain blockedFrame loose — noiseAnti-rattle pads missingGully outlet pipe damaged
3. 27.

   Ironwork frames bedded in correctly
   What to look forFrame bedding material (Plastic Repair, epoxy resin, or non-shrink mortar) fully fills frame seat. No voids. Bedding cured per manufacturer time before traffic. Frame seal continuous around perimeter.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A12 / manufacturer instructions: bedding compound used per spec; cure time observed (typically 1-2 hours for fast-set epoxy, 24 hours mortar). Strength ≥ 30 MPa at re-opening.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A12. Manufacturer technical data (Setcrete, Sika, Five Star).
   Common defectsWrong bedding — mortar where epoxy needed (high traffic)Cure time not observed — frame moves under trafficVoids in bedding — frame rocksBedding fillet not made — water enters jointReinstatement opened to traffic too early
4. 28.

   Reinstatement matches existing road construction
   What to look forReinstatement layer schedule matches adjacent road category. Surface course material visually similar to surrounding (texture, colour). No "step" between new and existing in plan or section. Joint between continuous, no edge ravelling.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A2 / Table A2-A4: reinstatement layer thicknesses appropriate to road category (Type 0-4). Surface course matches existing where practicable.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A2.
   Common defectsLayer schedule short of road category — premature failureSurface course mismatched — visible patchJoint feathered, not verticalEdge ravelling within monthsReinstatement settles relative to existing — depression
5. 29.

   No depression or settlement at reinstatement edges
   What to look forReinstatement edges level with surrounding pavement. Run hand or 3 m straightedge across joint — no step or dip. After 6-month interim period: still level (sign of permanent reinstatement quality).
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A11: edge level ±6 mm at completion; ±10 mm at end of 6-month interim period. Permanent reinstatement should remain within tolerance for 2-year guarantee period (3 years for trenches > 1.5 m).
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Sections A11, A18 (warranty).
   Common defectsStep at edge after 1 month — sub-base settlementEdge ravels, lump of surface lostDifferential settlement across reinstatement (longitudinal pothole)Permanent reinstatement fails within 2 years — undertaker re-cutsNo record of edge level — disputes at warranty

Road Markings & Furniture

1. 30.

   Road markings reinstated to match existing
   What to look forWhite / yellow lines, hatching, arrows, "STOP", "GIVE WAY", and other markings reinstated to match existing exactly — type (continuous/dashed), width, length, position. Thermoplastic well bonded. Retroreflective beads in mix.
   Acceptable whenPer TSRGD 2016 / SROH: line widths 100/150/200 mm per design; thermoplastic to BS EN 1871 / 1871-2; reflectivity ≥ 100 mcd/m²/lux Class B.
   StandardTSRGD 2016. SROH 4th Ed Section A14. BS EN 1436 / 1871.
   Common defectsWrong line width — non-compliant TSRGDHatching mismatchedCold paint instead of thermoplastic — failure within 6 monthsReflectivity under 100 mcd — non-compliantLines positioned over wet thermoplastic
2. 31.

   Cat eyes / road studs reinstated (if applicable)
   What to look forRoad studs re-installed per existing pattern — colour (white/red/amber/green), retroreflective insert clean, adhesive bond firm. No projections above design height. Spacing correct.
   Acceptable whenPer TSRGD / SHW Clause 1212: stud height 14-20 mm above surface. Adhesive bond ≥ 2 hours before trafficking. Reflectivity intact.
   StandardTSRGD 2016. SHW Clause 1212.
   Common defectsStuds missing — driving lane unmarkedAdhesive failed — stud popped outWrong colour stud — driver confusionReflective insert dirty / missingStud above height — vehicle damage
3. 32.

   Kerbs reinstated and aligned
   What to look forKerbs reinstated to original alignment with concrete bedding and backing haunch. Top level matches surface. Joints pointed. Damaged kerbs replaced like-for-like. Drop kerbs at crossings re-built with transition kerbs.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH / SHW Clause 1101: alignment ±3 mm in 3 m; top level ±6 mm; bedding mortar / concrete C20/25; haunch 100 mm minimum.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. SHW Clause 1101. BS EN 1340.
   Common defectsKerb line steps at joint — visual faultNo bedding mortar — kerb tiltsDamaged kerb left in place / patchedDrop kerb replaced with full-height — accessibility lostNo backing haunch
4. 33.

   Signage reinstated / temporary signage removed
   What to look forAll temporary works signs removed promptly. Damaged permanent signs replaced like-for-like. Posts plumb. Sign faces clean and reflective. Heights per TSRGD.
   Acceptable whenPer TSRGD / Chapter 8 (Traffic Signs Manual): permanent signs at correct height (typically 2.1 m to underside in pedestrian areas, 5.0 m at bridges). Reflective Class RA1/RA2 per design.
   StandardTSRGD 2016. Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 (temporary signing).
   Common defectsTemporary signs left after works — driver confusionDamaged permanent sign not replacedSign height too low — pedestrian strike riskReflective grade lower than originalPost not plumb
5. 34.

   Street furniture reinstated (bollards, guard rails)
   What to look forBollards, guard rails, lighting columns, signposts, bus stop poles re-installed in original positions. Foundations adequate. Plumb. No damage carried over from removal. Cable connections re-made and tested.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH and BS EN 12767 (passive safety) for vehicle restraint: foundation per type. Plumb ±5 mm in storey height. Lighting columns electrical re-test per BS 7671.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. BS EN 12767:2019. BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.
   Common defectsBollard not re-fixed — pedestrian / vehicle hazardLamppost cable not re-testedGuard rail panel left outSignpost foundation under-specItem not in original position — survey lost

NRSWA / Compliance

1. 35.

   Permit / notice in place and valid
   What to look forPermit (where authority operates a permit scheme) or NRSWA notice (where notice scheme) in place before works started. Permit valid for the duration of the works. No deviation from permitted extent without variation. Permit number on works barriers.
   Acceptable whenPer New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 / Traffic Management Act 2004: permit / notice valid before work starts. Variation submitted if scope changes. Display permit number per local authority requirement.
   StandardNRSWA 1991 Sections 53-55. Traffic Management Act 2004 (permits). SROH 4th Ed.
   Common defectsWork started without permit — fixed penaltyPermit expired — overrun without renewalPermit number not on barriers — non-compliantVariation needed but not submittedWrong undertaker on permit
2. 36.

   S74 overrun charges not triggered (within permitted duration)
   What to look forWorks completed within permitted duration. If overrun occurred, S74 charges accepted and recorded. Daily overrun charge typically £100-2500 depending on road category. Stop-up notices avoided.
   Acceptable whenPer Section 74 NRSWA: overrun beyond permitted duration triggers daily fixed charges. Permit duration to be realistic — variations submitted in advance if delay anticipated.
   StandardNRSWA 1991 Section 74. Local authority schedule of charges.
   Common defectsOverrun without variation — daily chargesStop-up notice issued — costly delaysDuration estimated optimistically — habit overrunNo record of permitted vs actual duration
3. 37.

   Guarantee period noted — 2 year interim / 3 year permanent
   What to look forReinstatement classified as interim or permanent. Guarantee period starts from date of permanent reinstatement. Remedials undertaken within guarantee remain undertaker's responsibility. Records kept.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH Section A18: 2 year guarantee for reinstatement < 1.5 m deep; 3 year for deeper. Guarantee covers structural failure, settlement, surface defects. Notification process for defects per HAUC.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed Section A18. NRSWA 1991.
   Common defectsRecords not kept — guarantee period unclearDefects within guarantee — undertaker disputes responsibilityInterim flagged but never converted to permanentNo notification process — defects uncorrected
4. 38.

   Photographic record of all reinstatement layers
   What to look forPhotos taken of every layer (excavation, formation, bedding, sub-base, binder, surface) with measure-rule, location identifier, and date stamp. Photos kept on digital file. Provided to highway authority on request.
   Acceptable whenPer SROH and HAUC best practice: photographic record covering each layer, plus joint detail, ironwork, and final reinstatement. Date / location metadata retained.
   StandardSROH 4th Ed. HAUC UK Code of Practice on Inspections.
   Common defectsNo photos — disputes at defects periodPhotos missing key layer (e.g. bedding under cover)Photos undated / unlocatedPhotos lost — not in O&M
5. 39.

   As-built records provided to highway authority
   What to look forAs-built drawings showing actual reinstatement extent, depths, layer details, and materials submitted to highway authority via the streetworks IT system. As-built within 10 working days of completion. Records linked to permit.
   Acceptable whenPer NRSWA / Streetworks UK: as-built submission within statutory timescale. Includes start / interim / permanent dates. Links to defects period and guarantee.
   StandardNRSWA 1991. Streetworks UK Code of Practice. EToN (Electronic Transfer of Notifications) standard.
   Common defectsNo as-built submitted — non-compliantSubmitted late — fines / loss of permit privilegesAs-built does not match physical — disputes at defectsRecords not linked to permit — orphaned dataLayer materials not declared

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