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The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
See when traffic will be lightest
Our traffic forecaster can help get you there quicker
HOW WE LOOK AFTER THE PAST
During the planning process for road improvements, we firstly commission archaeologists to do a desk assessment of the area - finding out what is known about it so far. Then other survey work is commissioned, which might result in field-walking - picking up fragments which might give a clue to what lies beneath, or a geophysical survey - using electronic instruments to detect buried human activity and structures. Then comes the digging of a series of trial trenches.
When construction begins, the archaeologists are on site keeping a watching brief as the topsoil is removed; if anything significant is found, the area is roped-off for further examination. If a very important site is uncovered, every effort is made to preserve the area by redesign.
During the excavations, the finds are identified and catalogued. Most go to local museums, though some of national importance can be seen in London museum collections.
It's not just the finds that are valuable. The post-excavation report by the archaeologists aims to develop an understanding of the site, reconstructing the past enabling us to appreciate better our history. Some of the results detailed here are provisional as post-excavation work is still going on.
Sometimes in our targeted programme of improvements a balance has to be struck between construction and the preservation of less-important areas, as it is not possible to skirt around every site. But the data is preserved in museum exhibits and excavation reports.
English Heritage has advised on every project.
