Highways Agency

Handback

To ensure that the road is returned in a fit condition for service that will not require major capital maintenance immediately following the end of the contract, specific clauses are put into each contract regarding handback. A required residual life is specified for each element of the project road. For example, at least 85 per cent of the road pavement should have a 10 year residual life on handback. Certain road elements never last that long (for example, cats' eyes) and are required to be replaced before the end of the contract. Though bridges have a design life of 120 years, it is still necessary to demonstrate that most elements of these structures have a residual life of at least 30 years on handback.

Five years prior to handback, detailed inspections of the roads and main structures will be carried out by the Agency and the operator. Likely works needed are noted and remedial action is expected to be taken in accordance with an agreed programme. A similar procedure covering all elements of the project road is carried out 18 months prior to the end of the contract to ensure work has been carried out in accordance with the agreed programme and to assess any other works needed to achieve the required standard at contract termination. During the five year period prior to handback the Agency will deposit 40 per cent of the agreed remedial works costs into ring-fenced accounts upon which only the Agency can draw until contract termination. This money will be used by the Highways Agency to carry out any work that the operator fails to complete. Once the contract ends and all such repairs have been made, any money remaining in the accounts is paid to the operator.