Section 278 Contractor
Section 278 highway works and off-site connection groundworks for developments.
- Fully Insured
- Commercial & Site Work Specialists
- 5 Star Rated
- Emergency Callout
Teams commission section 278 contractor when they need dependable performance, evidence-led decisions, and a delivery plan that fits real access and sequencing constraints.
We deliver Section 278 highway works where developments require off-site connections, junction improvements, footways and carriageway adjustments to the public network. Scopes are planned around highway authority approvals, traffic management and tie-ins to your wider roads-and-sewers programme.
That usually translates into clearer procurement decisions: fewer assumptions, better-aligned trades, and a documented path if priorities change mid-programme.
Explore recent demand for this service in Section 278 Contractors in Reading, Section 278 Contractors in Richmond and Section 278 Contractors in Sheffield.
Estate roads and sewers are usually delivered with roads and sewers contractors, Section 38 contractors, and Section 104 contractors.
For package pricing and tender returns, see our tender enquiries page. Specialist subcontractors can register via our contractor network.
Larger construction projects may require a topographical or utility survey before groundworks begin.
When you might need Section 278 Contractor
These scenarios are where commissioning work early tends to save time, cost, and disruption across the programme.
This service is commonly used when existing conditions create uncertainty around cost, scope, or programme and a clear technical route is needed before committing to work.
It is also commissioned during upgrades, refurbishments, and new-build stages where sequencing, access, and compliance requirements must be addressed early to avoid delays. At this stage, teams usually need clear commercial options before committing to delivery windows and budgets.
If your scope includes adjacent packages, compare related services before finalising programme and procurement.
For a deeper read on related issues, see Construction Site Preparation.
Where Section 278 Contractor is used
Groundworks projects often involve several specialist disciplines depending on the requirements of the development. Contractors may focus on excavation, piling, drainage installation or foundation construction, often working together to prepare a site for structural works.
- Highway connections
- Traffic management
- Off-site carriageways
- Authority approvals
Not sure what you need? Request a site assessment or quote and we'll advise on the best approach for your project.
Signs you may need Section 278 Contractors
If you notice these signs, acting early usually keeps costs down and reduces operational disruption.
- Construction Site Preparation
- Groundworks Process Explained
- What Are Enabling Works?
- Groundworks cost overview
- Groundworks contingency budget
Our approach focuses on selecting the right method based on site conditions and project requirements, then documenting each stage so decisions stay clear throughout delivery.
What affects cost and scope
Cost and timeline are typically influenced by site conditions, access constraints, complexity, and total scope required for a complete outcome.
How the service works
We follow a structured approach from site assessment and design coordination through to setting out, excavation, piling and foundations, drainage and services, and reinstatement and handover. Each phase is planned and delivered to programme.
Step 1: Approval drawings and scope review
What this step delivers: The right method, sequence, and dependencies are agreed for predictable delivery.
Step 2: TM and phasing plan
What this step delivers: The right method, sequence, and dependencies are agreed for predictable delivery.
Step 3: Highway works delivery
What this step delivers: Core works are completed against agreed scope and programme.
Step 4: Testing, records and authority handover
What this step delivers: Completion is validated and handed over with clear next steps.
Industries We Work With
We work with developers, main contractors and clients across commercial and residential construction. Our groundworks teams have experience on housing, offices, warehouses, schools, healthcare and industrial sites throughout the UK.
- Hospitals
- Data centres
- Warehouses
- Office buildings
- Manufacturing sites
- Commercial property
What to expect
A single point of contact for groundworks simplifies coordination and accountability. We deliver to programme, are fully insured and accredited, and provide experienced teams and plant with quality-assured work and handover documentation.
- Highway authority approval coordination
- Traffic management and phasing
- Carriageway, footway and drainage tie-ins
- Records aligned to S278 technical approval
Related Groundworks Services
Groundworks projects often involve several specialist disciplines depending on the size and complexity of the development. In addition to general groundworks contracting, clients frequently require services such as piling, excavation or foundation installation.
Groundworks Contractors
Full-service groundworks for commercial and residential construction.
Groundworks for Developers
Developer-led groundworks packages: enabling works, foundations, drainage interfaces and adoption-ready civils.
Groundworks for Housebuilders
Plot-led groundworks for housebuilding phases: foundations, services, drainage and phase handovers.
Groundworks for Main Contractors
Subcontract groundworks for principal contractors: live-site sequencing, interfaces and package accountability.
Commercial Groundworks Contractors
Commercial and infrastructure groundworks contractors for developments, yards and civils packages.
Earthworks Contractors
Cut, fill, regrading and formation works for commercial and infrastructure sites.
Roads and Sewers Contractors
Roads, sewers and adoptable infrastructure groundworks for development schemes.
Section 38 Contractors
Section 38 adoptable estate roads — formation, kerbs, surfacing and handover for adoption.
Section 278 Contractors areas we cover
We deliver groundworks and related services across the UK. Select an area below for local information and contact options.
2 regions · 2 locations across the UK
Need a Groundworks Quote?
Contact us for a no-obligation quote for piling, underpinning, foundation repair, concrete work, excavation or full groundworks. We'll outline the scope and programme for your site.
Discuss your groundworks project requirements
Share your site details and goals. We will recommend the right scope and provide a clear quote.
Related Groundworks Services
Areas We Cover
Key towns and cities — see service areas for full coverage.
Areas we cover
Regional coverage across the UK. Open a region to see where we deliver this service, or expand all locations for the full list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Section 278 highway works?
Typical scopes cover off-site carriageway adjustments, junctions, footways, drainage tie-ins and reinstatement to highway authority specification, coordinated with your S38/S104 programme.
Do you manage traffic management for S278?
Yes. TM plans are agreed with the authority and sequenced so connections are built safely without blocking the wider development access strategy.
When should S278 be priced relative to estate roads?
We review the approval programme early so highway connections are not critical-path surprises after internal estate roads are built.
What affects the scope of section 278 contractor?
Scope is set by project requirements, site constraints, and what is needed to deliver a reliable long-term result.
Need a Groundworks Quote?
Contact us for a no-obligation quote for piling, underpinning, foundation repair, concrete work, excavation or full groundworks. We'll outline the scope and programme for your site.