00642 Verges Booklet - Devon County Council

Statutory Undertakers
Working on Verges
It is common practice for the Statutory Undertakers to place their
apparatus in the verge.
Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA)
Statutory Undertakers are required to follow the principles of the Act
in carrying out their works.
The Act requires that all works carried out in connection with the
provision of services and or the placing of apparatus under the surface
of the “highway” must comply with the relevant codes of practice
produced in conjunction with the NRSWA. The following notes are
based on information contained in the Act and the Code of Practice
for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways.
Section S9 of the Code (verges) requires that:-
● All backfill materials comply with requirements of Section S5 of
the Code of Practice;
● Grassed areas shall be reinstated using the original turf
replacement turf or an equivalent seed, depending on weather
and growing season. In all cases, a reasonable growth shall be
established within the following 12 months.Within previously
mown areas, the surface shall be left free from stones greater
than 20mm nominal size;
● Any shrubs, trees or planted areas shall be reinstated with the
same species, unless otherwise agreed, and shall be established
within the following twelve months;
● Existing topsoil within 200mm of the surface shall be kept
separate for subsequent re-use.Alternatively, an imported topsoil
may be used to a depth of 100mm or to match the existing
depth of top soil, whichever is less. (Note: Undertakers must
consult with the street authority and Environment Agency before
importing topsoil);