Road Design and its Importance in Civil Engineering

Road design specialists have an important job of providing their clients with the necessary guidance and information with respect to the impact a proposed development can have on a road network. They keep the clients updated regarding any highway improvements which may need planning approval and have early dialogues with the Highways Authorities to offer the clients the best opportunity for obtaining a positive planning outcome.

 

Specialists are individuals who are very experienced in understanding the regulatory nature of this sector. A principal designer is also a road design specialist. They can add immense value by delivering cost-effective solutions in the facilitation of a development plan.

New paradigms in road design are focused on improving road user safety, comfort and convenience while meeting the needs of societal mobility, health, and safety.

They work in the following areas: -

●        Traffic Surveys

●        Traffic Assessments

●        Travel Plans

●        Swept Path Analysis

●        Junction Design

●        Access Road Design

●        Highway Adoption

●        Highways Act Agreements

●        Highways Expert Witness

 

Role of a Principal Designer

The role of Principal Designer falls under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015. It’s the legal duty of clients to appoint a Principal Designer for most construction projects. Their role is to make sure that the Regulations affecting them and other designers will be satisfied. Invest in a company that employs several staff who can demonstrate capability and competence, being Registered Members of the Association for Project Safety. Their functions include the following: -

 To plan, monitor, manage, and coordinate the health and safety of workers in the pre-construction phase by taking into consideration relevant information about their present health and safety file.

To advise and help clients in gathering pre-construction information, and provide the information to designers and contractors to carry out their duties.

To work with other designers to eliminate foreseeable health and safety risks or at least take the steps needed to reduce or control those risks.

To establish good communication, co-operation and co-ordination among everyone involved in the pre-construction phase with their work wherever required.

To stay connected with the principal contractor to keep them informed of any potential risks that will have to be controlled during the construction phase.