Highways & Access Design
We design access junctions, estate roads, and highway layouts that comply with DMRB and Manual for Streets. Our team brings 27+ years of highways experience to every scheme — from single access points to full adoptable road networks.
Highways design that keeps projects moving.
We deliver junction designs, access strategies, and adoptable road layouts for residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments. We align highways geometry with drainage and utilities early so the design remains deliverable and avoids costly redesign.
Our highways service covers the full spectrum — from initial access feasibility and visibility splay analysis through to detailed Section 38 and Section 278 designs. We provide Road Safety Audit support and respond quickly to technical queries from highway authorities.
Design with adoption in mind.
-
Access feasibility
We assess access constraints, visibility requirements, and policy triggers. We review local plan policies and pre-application advice to identify the highway authority's expectations early.
-
Concept design
We draft junction layouts, road geometry, and tracking to demonstrate compliance with DMRB, Manual for Streets, or local design guides. We coordinate with the drainage strategy and landscape masterplan.
-
Detailed design
We produce adoptable drawings including longitudinal sections, cross-sections, kerb and channel details, and construction specifications. We complete vehicle tracking for refuse, fire, and delivery vehicles.
-
Road Safety Audit
We commission and manage Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits, responding to findings and integrating changes into the design.
-
Authority coordination
We manage technical approval submissions, respond to highway authority queries, and coordinate Section 38 and Section 278 agreements through to adoption.
We deliver highways design without bottlenecks.
- We integrate highways with drainage and utilities early to prevent redesign.
- We design to DMRB, Manual for Streets, and local authority design guides.
- We provide experienced director oversight on every scheme.
- We coordinate Section 38, Section 278, and Section 104 agreements in parallel.
- We deliver vehicle tracking, visibility analysis, and RSA support as standard.
Tools we use
AutoCAD Civil 3D, Vehicle Tracking, KeySIGN, and GIS. We use swept path analysis for all vehicle types and generate adoptable specification packages.
Map your site in minutes.
Draw your site boundary and get an instant flood risk and constraints overview tailored to your parcel. Use it to brief your team, test planning viability, and move forward with clarity before commissioning detailed studies.
Map Your Site NowWhy map my site?
- Get an instant preliminary assessment of your site's constraints.
- Understand flood risk zones before investing in detailed studies.
- Identify potential planning issues early in your project.
- Receive a tailored quote based on your actual site boundaries.
- No obligation, completely free to use.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Section 38 and Section 278?
- A Section 38 agreement covers the construction and adoption of new estate roads within a development, while a Section 278 agreement covers works to the existing public highway such as new access junctions or turning lanes. Both are legal agreements with the highway authority under the Highways Act 1980.
- Do I need a road safety audit?
- A Stage 1 Road Safety Audit is typically required at the planning stage for any development that proposes a new or modified access onto the public highway. Highway authorities usually require it as part of the Transport Assessment or access design submission. Stage 2 audits follow at detailed design.
- What is a vehicle tracking assessment?
- Vehicle tracking uses swept path analysis software to demonstrate that large vehicles — including refuse trucks, fire appliances, and delivery lorries — can safely navigate the proposed road layout. Highway authorities require tracking drawings to confirm that junctions, turning heads, and estate roads are geometrically adequate.
- Who designs estate roads for planning?
- Estate roads are designed by highways engineers who work to DMRB, Manual for Streets, and local authority design guides. The design must satisfy the highway authority's technical requirements for geometry, visibility, drainage, and construction specification before the roads can be offered for adoption.
- What are visibility splays?
- Visibility splays are triangular areas at junctions and access points that must be kept clear of obstructions so drivers can see approaching traffic. The required dimensions depend on the road speed and are set out in DMRB and Manual for Streets. We assess and design splays as part of every access scheme.