What is a Road/Highway Dilapidation Survey?
A Dilapidation Survey provides a detailed, independent record of the condition of a highway, footway, verge or structure before and after construction, utility, or development works take place.
The survey establishes a clear, evidence-based baseline of existing defects — such as cracking, potholes, rutting, ironwork condition and surface wear — so that any deterioration caused by construction traffic or works can be fairly identified, attributed and resolved.
Without this record, Highway Authorities, contractors and developers are frequently left disputing whether damage existed before works began or was caused during them. A MERAKI Dilapidation Survey removes that ambiguity.
Why a Dilapidation Survey is needed
Heavy construction traffic, plant movements and utility works can place significant additional stress on the highway network, often accelerating wear on carriageways and footways that were not designed for that level of use.
A Dilapidation Survey protects all parties involved by providing:
- An independent, dated record of highway condition prior to works commencing
- Clear photographic and/or video evidence to support any future claims or reinstatement disputes
- A defensible basis for negotiating liability for damage with the Highway Authority
- Assurance to Local Authorities that the network will be monitored and protected throughout construction
When is a survey required?
Dilapidation Surveys are typically required, or requested by Highway Authorities as a planning or licence condition, for schemes such as:
- Major developments generating significant construction traffic (S278/S38 works)
- Utility and statutory undertaker works
- Renewable energy, infrastructure and haul route projects
- Temporary access routes and construction compounds
- Any scheme where an abnormal load or HGV route is proposed
Our approach
MERAKI carries out Dilapidation Surveys in two stages:
- Pre-construction survey — a comprehensive walkover and photographic/video survey of the relevant highway network, recording existing condition, defects and any pre-existing damage in detail.
- Post-construction survey — a follow-up survey once works are complete, directly comparing findings against the baseline to identify any change in condition attributable to the works.
Findings are presented in a clear, structured report referenced against location (chainage, plot or asset ID) so that any areas of concern can be quickly identified, discussed and, where necessary, remediated.
Our experience
We have done numerous surveys and can provide details on request
Our timescales
MERAKI can typically mobilise a pre-construction survey within 10 working days depending on size/scope of the survey.
