Highway authority
A highway authority is an organisation that is responsible for operating, administering and maintaining public roads.
As well as maintaining the condition of roads that fall within their remit, a highway authority should maintain the administrative records that relate to them, and regulate the activities of developers that have the potential of impacting upon the roads.
In the UK, the Highways Act 1980 defines the current role of a highway authority. In England, Highways England (formerly the Highways Agency) is the government body responsible for England’s trunk roads (i.e. major roads such as motorways, A roads, etc.). All other roads and public rights of way are the responsibility of the relevant area’s county council or unitary authority. In London, Transport for London (TfL) is the relevant body. In Scotland, the relevant body is Transport Scotland, while in Wales it is the Welsh Government.
In the US and Canada, a highway authority is a government agency typically referred to as a department of transportation (DOT). The largest in the US is the United States Department of Transportation which is a federal agency responsible for interstate travel. Certain US states can apportion responsibility for toll roads to separate authorities such as regional or metropolitan government.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Cutting road congestion.
- Five years of road investment strategy.
- Highways England.
- Highways in England and Wales.
- Infrastructure.
- Integrated transport system.
- Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works.
- Overview of the road development process.
- Risk management authority RMA.
- Road construction.
- Road improvement scheme consultation.
- Road investment strategy.
- Road traffic management.
- Traffic and transport.
Featured articles and news
ECA progress on Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter
Working hard to make progress on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.