What is a Section 278 agreement?
A Section 278 agreement is a legal agreement made under the Highways Act 1980 between a developer and the local highway authority. It allows a developer to fund and carry out works on the public highway that are necessary to support their development, such as new junctions, improved access roads or pedestrian crossing facilities.
Unlike a Section 38 agreement, which relates to roads that will be adopted and maintained by the highway authority, a Section 278 agreement covers works to the existing public highway network. Getting the design right from the outset is essential to securing highway authority approval and avoiding costly delays to your programme.
Our consultants manage the full Section 278 process on your behalf, from initial design through to construction sign-off, keeping your project moving at every stage.
Section 278 highway design services
Where off-site public highway junction improvements have been identified during the planning process, our team provides full administration of the Section 278 detailed design, ensuring a smooth and coordinated progression from planning through to construction.
With extensive experience delivering public highway improvement schemes, we have established strong, collaborative relationships with local authorities across the UK. Our design expertise spans a wide range of junction, access and pedestrian infrastructure, including roundabouts, traffic-calming measures, pedestrian facilities, signal-controlled junctions, pedestrian crossings, priority junctions, mini-roundabouts and public realm design.
We utilise industry-leading software throughout the highway design process, including PDS, MX, Site 3D, Windes, Civil 3D, PDS Sign and Autotrack, to ensure every design is accurate, buildable and approvable.
What does our Section 278 detailed highway design service include?
Our detailed highway design services cover every stage of the process, from initial concept through to construction sign-off. Specifically, we provide:
- Horizontal and vertical 3D design
- Drainage design
- Signage design
- Road markings
- Construction material specification
- Public realm and hardscaping design to BS 7533
- Vehicle tracking simulation
- Road condition surveys
- RRRAP and Local Roads VRS safety barrier assessments
- VRS safety barrier design
- Cost advice
- Project management
- Preparation of as-built drawings
“A Section 278 agreement can appear straightforward on the surface, but the detail involved in producing an approvable design and managing the relationship with the highway authority requires real expertise. We take ownership of that process for our clients, so they can focus on delivering their development with confidence.”
Which sectors do our Section 278 highway designers support?
Our team has delivered Section 278 highway works for developments across a broad range of sectors. We understand that each sector brings its own access and movement requirements, and we tailor our designs accordingly.
Key sectors we support include development, industrial, logistics, public sector, retail and many more.
Why choose BTG Eddisons for Section 278 highway design
Our consultants combine technical design expertise with a practical understanding of the approvals process, giving you the best possible chance of a smooth and timely outcome.
Here is why our clients trust us with their Section 278 works:
- We have over 180 years of experience in the property and construction industry
- Our team has established relationships with highway authorities across the UK
- We manage the entire Section 278 process, from design through to construction sign-off
- Our designs are produced to the highest technical standards and are built to be approved first time
- Although based in Manchester, our network of 35 offices allows our highway design consultants to support projects nationwide
- We have a proven track record of success, and our work is highly rated by past clients
Speak to our Section 278 highway design consultants
Our team is ready to help if you need a detailed highway design, support with the approvals process, end-to-end management of your Section 278 agreement, or something else entirely. Simply complete the form below and we will be in touch to discuss your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Section 278 Highway Design
What is the difference between a Section 278 and a Section 38 agreement?
A Section 278 agreement covers works carried out on the existing public highway, funded by the developer but approved and overseen by the highway authority. A Section 38 agreement relates to new roads that will be adopted by the highway authority and maintained at public expense going forward.
Many developments require both types of agreement, and our team can advise you on which applies to your scheme.
