Practical guidance for developers, housebuilders, contractors and organisations planning highway, drainage and infrastructure works. From Section 278 and Section 38 agreements to highway construction, drainage, surfacing and road markings, our Knowledge Hub answers some of the questions we are regularly asked about delivering highways and civil engineering projects.
Explore our comprehensive technical specifications, statutory compliance guides, and engineering delivery frameworks across all civil disciplines.
Explore technical guides, statutory frameworks, and practical strategies written by senior highway engineers and transport planning specialists.

A complete breakdown of Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980, legal developer liabilities, highway authority sign-offs, and critical delivery timelines.

Understand the operational distinctions between creating adoptable estate roads (S38) and delivering alterations to existing public highway infrastructure (S278).

A practical guide to scoping trip generation, junction capacity modeling, and agreeing sustainable travel mitigation with highway authorities.

How to negotiate viable sustainable transport contributions, travel plan monitoring fees, and realistic modal shift targets with local planning councils.

Learn why technical submissions face highway authority delays, covering drainage outfall consents, street lighting specs, and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits.

Key engineering principles for passing statutory Active Travel England audits, including segregated lanes, junction priority, and permeable connectivity.
Search our Knowledge Hub for information about highway construction, Section 278 works, drainage, surfacing, road markings and civil engineering projects.
“We have always been pleased with their high standards and professionalism”
“We find RWS very easy to deal with from the upfront quoting to helping with relevant permits & agreements”
R W Services is a trusted civil engineering and highways contractor delivering safe, compliant and adoptable infrastructure across the Midlands. From technical approvals under Sections 278, 38 and 106 to full highway and drainage construction, we turn complex designs into lasting public assets.
Delivering highways and infrastructure requires more than construction, it demands experience, coordination and a reliable approach that keeps your project on programme and compliant. We provide a fully managed service that reduces risk, avoids delays and ensures smooth delivery from start to finish
Over 45 years delivering adoptable highways and infrastructure, with a strong track record of quality and successful approvals
Our directly employed teams ensure consistent quality, safer sites and reliable progress throughout your project
Our comprehensive fleet allows us to maintain momentum on site without reliance on external hire, reducing delays and improved efficiency
From approvals through to construction and handover, we manage the entire process, giving you a single point of contact and a smooth delivery
We work collaboratively with developers, contractors and local authorities to ensure works are delivered efficiently, with clear communication at every stage
We support a range of clients involved in the delivery of highways and infrastructure, including
Delivering adoptable, compliant infrastructure on programme, first time.
Delivering compliant highway access works approved efficiently under Section 278
Construction of adoptable highways delivered to specification and authority standards
Upgrading existing highways to improve safety, capacity and long-term performance
Infrastructure for residential developments delivered to adoptable highway standards
Creating high-quality public spaces that enhance usability, safety and appearance
Installation of compliant drainage systems including Section 106 sewer connections
Durable car park construction and resurfacing with efficient drainage solutions
High-quality streetscape and public environment improvements.
Early investigations and surveys to reduce risk and inform design
Short summary of a highways or civils project highlighting scope, client and outcomes.
Short summary of a development or public realm scheme, focused on safe delivery.
Short summary of a local authority or utilities project with coordinated stakeholders.
Delivering highways and infrastructure involves multiple stages, approvals and coordination. Our structured approach ensures every project is managed efficiently from initial planning to final adoption.
A fully managed approach that reduces risk, simplifies coordination and ensures your project is delivered right first time.
Get clear, practical advice and a reliable delivery partner for your highways and infrastructure works