UK’s GG 104: Requirements for Safety Risk Assessment in Road Infrastructure

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Ensuring safety on the UK’s motorways and trunk roads is a top priority for National Highways. The GG 104 – Requirements for Safety Risk Assessment sets a structured framework for assessing and managing safety risks in road design, construction, and maintenance​.

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This guide establishes a consistent approach to identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing safety measures, ensuring all road projects align with national legal, environmental, and engineering standards.

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1. Scope of GG 104 Safety Risk Assessment

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The GG 104 framework applies to all activities that:
✔ Directly or indirectly affect safety on motorways and trunk roads.
✔ Influence infrastructure planning, design, operation, and maintenance.
✔ Require compliance with national and international safety regulations.

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This document replaces GD 04/12 and IAN 191/16 and integrates safety governance requirements into the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB)​.

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2. The Safety Risk Assessment Process

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2.1 Hazard Identification

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✔ Identifies potential risks to road users, workers, and adjacent communities.
✔ Assesses risks arising from design flaws, environmental factors, or operational failures.
✔ Documents all hazards for further evaluation and mitigation.

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2.2 Risk Analysis & Evaluation

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✔ Determines the likelihood and severity of identified hazards.
✔ Uses historical data, expert opinions, and predictive models.
✔ Evaluates risks using a structured matrix to prioritize mitigation measures​.

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2.3 Risk Treatment & Mitigation

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✔ Implements engineering, administrative, and technological solutions.
✔ Adopts the ERIC principle (Eliminate, Reduce, Isolate, Control) to manage risks.
✔ Ensures compliance with the "So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable" (SFAIRP) standard for risk management​.

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3. Safety Governance & Compliance

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GG 104 mandates strict safety risk governance to ensure accountability:

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3.1 Safety Risk Documentation

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✔ All safety risk assessments must be fully documented and regularly reviewed.
✔ Changes in road use, traffic patterns, or legal requirements must trigger an assessment update.

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3.2 Risk Ownership & Approval

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✔ Safety decisions must be approved by responsible authorities at National Highways.
✔ Activities with high safety risks require review by the National Safety Control Review Group (NSCRG).

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3.3 Safety Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

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✔ Periodic evaluations to track risk management effectiveness.
✔ Adjustments based on real-world road performance and accident data​.

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4. Application of GG 104 in Road Projects

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GG 104 applies to:

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✔ New road designs – Ensuring safe geometry, intersections, and pedestrian crossings.
✔ Road maintenance & upgrades – Addressing safety hazards in existing infrastructure.
✔ Traffic management & control measures – Evaluating signage, barriers, and speed limits.

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By integrating proactive risk assessments, GG 104 enhances the safety and efficiency of UK roads.

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Conclusion

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The GG 104 – Requirements for Safety Risk Assessment provides a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks in road projects across the UK. By following this framework, engineers and planners can ensure that motorways and trunk roads remain safe, compliant, and future-ready.

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