How we manage road closures and diversions

We only close roads if it is necessary to keep the public and workers safe. We plan our work carefully, along with other organisations, to reduce how often roads need to be closed.

Where possible, we will close a road during off-peak hours in order to reduce the level of disruption. For more complicated projects, we may need to close roads for longer and sometimes for 24 hours a day.

We display signs on the road in advance of work starting. These show when we will be working. If dates change, we will update the signs.

If your home or business is on a road that will be closed

If you live or run a business on a road due to close for repair or improvement work, we will send you a letter before the work starts. This is usually sent 7 to 10 days before, but this can vary depending on the job.

If you need to reach your home or business while the road is closed, speak to our on site team. They will let you through if it is safe. Outside working hours, signs may say 'Access for residents only', and there will usually be space to get through. Sometimes access may not possible, for example if the road has been dug up.

Emergency vehicles access will be maintained at all times.

Diversion routes

Diversion routes must be suitable for all vehicles that use the road. For example, we cannot send traffic onto a motorway, as tractors and bicycles are unable to use them. We also cannot use roads that have weight or height restrictions as they are not suitable for large vehicles.

This means diversions from A roads will usually stay on other A roads, not smaller B or C roads. If you are driving a car and know the area, you may find a quicker route using local roads, however we would always recommend following the official diversion route, as this will be the most appropriate alternative route.

If you are driving a lorry (HGV), please follow the diversion signs. Do not rely on your sat nav, as it may send you along roads that are not suitable for your vehicle.

Diversion routes are shown on our roadworks page.

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