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HAUC

Guidance Bulletin 42

Verges and Unmade Ground! Reinstatement of verges and unmade ground adjacent to carriageways

The method of backfilling you use depends on the following:

  • Where road construction layers (including any structural courses, foundations, kerbs or backing that provide edge support to road structures) extend below adjacent verges or unmade ground, any reinstatement must take account of such provisions. The reinstatement of such areas must match the existing layer thicknesses, with similar or equivalent materials
  • Where there is no edge support, if an excavation comes within 600 mm of the edge of a road and the backfill extends below the intersection point shown in Figure S9.1, sub-base material must be used for backfill below that point. The intersection point is where a 45° line extending downwards from the edge of the road surface intersects the side of the trench nearest the road. Above this point, excavated material can be used as backfill

Checklist

  • DO Check that the surround to apparatus is to the correct tolerance. Make good any defects (excess moisture, contamination etc.)
  • DO Identify suitable backfill material
  • DO Identify suitable compaction plant
  • DO Check the thickness required for the backfill and sub-base (check with Supervisor)
  • DO Place and level backfill material to the correct compacted lift thickness
  • DO Compact with the correct number of passes
  • DO Repeat for further lifts as required
  • DO Check the tolerance of the completed backfill and sub-base (check with Supervisor)
  • To complete the reinstatement, place and rake topsoil to required level
  • In cultivated areas – shrubs, plants or bulbs should be reinstated using the same or similar species
  • In grassed areas – original, or replacement turf, or seed, may be used
  • In areas that have been previously mown, at the time of completing the reinstatement, the surface must be free from stones greater than 20mm in size
  • DO Restore verges, ditches, and drainage courses to their original condition

HAUC(UK) thanks Morrison Water Services in their help in the creation of this guidance.

Morrison Water Services logoHAUC(UK) logo

IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR FOR FURTHER ADVICE

DO HIGHWAYS THE RIGHTWAYS