Road Closure Application

Please read ‘Notes of Guidance for Applicants’ before completing the application form.

Works should not proceed on site until the request has been granted by the Council and you have received formal notification to proceed with the closure.

Application Form  (51.50 KB)

Below are some frequently asked questions relating to road closures in Worcestershire:

• Why do roads have to be closed?
• Who can legally close the Road?
• How long can a road be closed for?
• How much does it cost?
• How much notice is needed?
• Who can apply to close a road?
• How can I find out information about a current road closure?
• How can I apply for a road closure?
• A lane closure is needed what conditions apply?

Why do roads have to be closed?

Roads are closed only when absolutely necessary. This will either allow the physical construction of works on the highway, or safeguard workers or pedestrians. The reasons for closure can be for carriageway resurfacing, laying of pipes and cables, or there maybe special events such as Carnivals or Christmas Markets and even street parties in quiet residential streets

Who can legally close the Road?

Worcestershire County Council (highway authority in Worcestershire) can authorise a road closure to allow road works to take place. District, City or Borough Councils can authorise closures for parades, street parties and fairs etc. The police can also close roads for public safety reasons.

How long can a road be closed for?

The maximum length a road can be closed is 18 months, but every effort is made to keep road closures to an absolute minimum.

How much does it cost?

The charge for a road closure is £1,250.00

How much notice is needed?

For planned works a minimum of 12 weeks notice is required to close a road.

If for emergency purposes where there is concern for public safety a road can be closed immediately.

Who can apply to close a road?

The Highway Authority (Worcestershire County Council) and Statutory Undertakers - gas, water, electricity etc. can apply to close a road to carry out essential works on their apparatus.

Builders etc. – it is recommended that a suitable Traffic Management company is employed to undertake the road closure on your behalf.

Event Organisers for parades, cycle races, Carnivals, Christmas markets etc. are advised to contact their local District or Borough Councils

How can I find out information about a current road closure?

Details of current road closures authorised by Worcestershire County Council. Alternatively you may contact the Worcestershire Hub on 0845 607 2005 who will be able to advise further on road closures.

How can I apply for a road closure?

Use this road closures application form.  (49.00 KB) You may fill it in electronically and send it to the email address shown on the form, remembering to send your payment by cheque made payment to Worcestershire County Council.

A lane closure is needed what conditions apply?

Lane closures are normally granted for works on multi lane carriageways, i.e. dual carriageways, one way streets etc. where works will restrict the width available yet traffic flow is maintained and traffic signals may not be appropriate to control the flow.  

Declaration

I declare that the section of road detailed above needs to be closed to facilitate works which, cannot be carried out whilst maintaining traffic flow. I understand that the cost for a closure is as detailed in the guidance notes issued to me. I declare that I have consulted and discussed this closure with those likely to be affected and agree to provide and maintain all signing, including advanced notice boards, required for closure for the duration of the works. I understand that I am responsible for the 24 hours signing and guarding and maintenance of the site and diversion route in accordance with Chapter 8 and the Code of Practice for Safety at Street Works and Road Works. I have read and understood fully the guidance notes provided and will adhere to all responsibilities / duties enforced by this document.

Notes of Guidance for Applicants

1. The County Council’s Legal Department requires six weeks advance notice in order to prepare road closures. Therefore applications must be received in sufficient time for processing before they are forwarded to the Legal Department.
2. Applicants will be held responsible for the erection and maintenance of all road signing required by Worcestershire County Council.
3. Applicants are advised that in accordance with Section 76 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 they will be invoiced for costs incurred in the preparation of the temporary closure order.
4. The charge for a temporary road closure is £1250.00. A purchase order no. must be supplied.
5. The reason for road closure should include details of whether it relates to a development, particularly Section 278/38 Highways Act 1980 Agreements that may be in place or being negotiated.
6. Applicants must erect, at each end of the diversion, an information sign giving the public advance warning of the proposed diversion. The design of these signs must be agreed with Worcestershire County Council and they must be in position ten days before the commencement of the road closure.
7. You are also responsible for the erection, maintenance and removal of all necessary road closure and diversion signs and you should be aware that the road must remain open for pedestrians and access to frontages.
8. Statutory undertakers must arrange appropriate media publicity in advance of the road closure.
9. All applicants must indemnify the County Council against any third party claims and any additional costs arising from the closure, including those associated with the diversion of any public and school transport routes.
10. Local businesses must be contacted individually to assess what problems that they may have and it may be necessary for you to produce information signs for this purpose. All residents likely to be affected must also be notified.
11. Where possible, you must remove the closure at the end of each working day.