Cllr
Carolyn Trowbridge
Carolyn Trowbridge
I have been asked for an Update: Highways
Introduction
During these unprecedented times it is important that our road network remains safe and accessible so that other key workers, emergency services, medical supplies and goods can get to where they need to be. In line with government advice our highways teams are continuing to carry out road repairs and improvements across the county. That means fixing potholes and carrying out other maintenance tasks where they can. Crews will also be continuing to work on new construction schemes where workforce and supplies allow to help protect the economy during the pandemic.
Status of our key operational activities at 2/4/2020 – AMBER
Pothole repairs and other reactive maintenance activity - continues to be progressed in order of risk priority
Gully cleansing and other routine operations - continuing as programmed
Surface Dressing – 20/21 programme scheduled to start towards the end of April. Method statements are being reviewed to enable social distancing.
Local Improvement Schemes – currently continuing but with expected delays due to impact on public consultation events
Major construction sites - currently continuing as programmed e.g. Stafford Western Access Route, Lichfield Southern Bypass, i54 and the MGOV.
Streetlighting - currently operating as usual
Traffic Signal Systems - currently operating as usual
School Crossing Patrols – majority stood-down from 23/3/2020 with isolated exceptions at high-risk sites and where attendant is not in high-risk group. Those remaining at home receiving ongoing welfare checks.
Parking – Civil Parking Enforcement is suspended. Police enforcement continues.
Bus Lanes / Safety Cameras – enforcement continues as usual.
Resource capacity
At this time absenteeism levels across the highway team remain low, with only a small number of people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and/or in self-isolation. This situation is being closely monitored on a daily basis. Resources will be reallocated to priority activities as necessary.
The government issued clarity about the vital role of the construction sector late last week. This has been distributed through our supply-chain (e.g. material suppliers and builder’s merchants) with positive effect.
26 members of the Highways and Built County team have positively responded to the Council’s internal “I Count” campaign – volunteering to assist with critical social care activities throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Wherever possible we will support this effort, which may result in a reduced highway service for the corresponding period of time.
Health and Safety
Safety is our number 1 priority. In line with government advice all staff are working from home wherever possible. This includes our own staff, our first-tier providers like Amey and EoN, and their supply-chains. Operatives are travelling to site in separate vehicles and receiving regular reminders on safe working, hand hygiene and social distancing.
Meetings with Members (including DHP) and other stakeholders will be conducted by phone / skype as necessary. All public consultation events, along with road safety education and training activities, have been cancelled and will be rescheduled or redesigned to enable social distancing.
Hope this helps - Stay safe xx