GG 115: Requirements for Works on the Hard Shoulder and Roadside Verges on High-Speed Dual Carriageways in the UK

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The UK’s highway infrastructure is vital for transportation and economic development. High-speed dual carriageways require strict safety measures, especially when conducting maintenance work on the hard shoulder and roadside verges. GG 115, published by Highways England, sets the standards for ensuring worker safety, traffic management, and compliance with national regulations. This guide explores the critical requirements outlined in GG 115 for works on high-speed dual carriageways in the UK.

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Understanding GG 115 and Its Importance

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GG 115 replaces the previous IAN 115/08 revision 2 and is part of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). It provides specific guidelines for carrying out works safely on high-speed roads, including risk assessments, personnel safety, traffic management, and vehicle placement.

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The key objectives of GG 115 are:

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• Ensuring safety for road workers and road users.
• Establishing clear guidelines for temporary traffic management.
• Defining best practices for vehicle positioning and personnel protection.
• Reducing risks associated with working on high-speed roads.

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Scope of GG 115

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GG 115 applies to all maintenance, repair, and construction activities on the hard shoulder and verges of high-speed dual carriageways (roads with a speed limit of 50 mph or more). The document mandates compliance with national regulations and outlines risk mitigation strategies.

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Key Requirements for Roadside Works

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1. Planning and Risk Assessment

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Before initiating any work, a comprehensive risk assessment must be conducted to ensure risks are minimized to an As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) level.

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Risk Assessment Checklist:

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• Identify hazards associated with stopping on the hard shoulder.
• Determine if work can be carried out without stopping on the hard shoulder.
• Assess the lateral clearance and implement safety barriers if necessary.
• Consider alternative traffic management measures if risks are high.

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2. Vehicle Placement and Safety Measures

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Proper vehicle positioning is critical to prevent collisions and ensure worker safety.

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• Hard Shoulder Parking: Vehicles must be parked as far from live traffic as possible.
• Lateral Clearance: Maintain a minimum of 1.5m clearance between the vehicle and live lanes.
• Beacon Lights: Must be activated when entering, exiting, or moving within the hard shoulder.
• Traffic Signs: Comply with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 for advance warnings.

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3. Personnel Safety Requirements

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Ensuring worker safety is paramount in high-risk environments like high-speed dual carriageways.

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• Workers must wear high-visibility clothing (BS EN ISO 20471: Class 3).
• Personnel must always face oncoming traffic whenever possible.
• Loading and unloading must be performed from the non-traffic side of the vehicle.

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4. Traffic Management Guidelines

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Traffic management is essential to maintain smooth road operations and protect workers.

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• Short-Duration Stops (Up to 15 mins): No additional traffic management is required if vehicles are fully on the verge.
• Medium-Duration Stops (Up to 90 mins): Traffic cones and temporary warning signs must be used.
• Long-Duration Stops (Over 90 mins): The hard shoulder and adjacent lanes may need closure following Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 guidelines.

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5. Use of Smart Motorway Infrastructure

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With the UK’s transition to smart motorways, GG 115 ensures works are aligned with new road management systems:

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• Emergency Areas (EA): Should be used instead of the hard shoulder where available.
• All Lane Running (ALR) Sections: Require specific traffic management setups.
• Hard Shoulder Running (HSR): Requires strict clearance and warning systems.

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Conclusion

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GG 115 sets comprehensive requirements for carrying out works on high-speed dual carriageways in the UK, prioritizing safety, risk mitigation, and efficient traffic management. By following these guidelines, road workers can minimize hazards while maintaining the integrity of the UK’s road network.

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