How we build
The bit you never see.
A road, a housing estate or a driveway are all only as good as what's underneath them. Here's how we build from formation level up, and how we run a package from tender to handover.
From the ground up
Seven layers.
One team.
Most of what makes a road last sits below the surface. Here’s one built layer by layer, the way we do it on site.
Layer 01 / 07
Site clearance & excavation
Strip, dig to formation, proof-roll
We clear the site, remove the topsoil and dig down to formation level. The formation is then proof-rolled so any soft spots show up before anything is built on top.
GroundworksLayer 02 / 07
Carrier drain & gullies
Ø300 carrier pipe · gully connections
The drainage goes in first, at the deepest level: a carrier pipe in granular bedding, gully connections and chambers. It's laid to fall, then tested before it's backfilled.
Specialist DrainageLayer 03 / 07
Utility ducts
Electric · fibre · water · joint trench
Ducts for electric, fibre and water go into a shared trench with marker tape, keeping the right separation between services. Every route is recorded for the as-built drawings.
Utilities GroundworkLayer 04 / 07
Sub-base
Type 1 granular · compacted in layers
The sub-base is laid and compacted in layers. It spreads the load from traffic into the ground below, and it's what stops a road, or a driveway, from rutting.
GroundworksLayer 05 / 07
Kerbs & channels
Bedded and haunched in concrete
Kerbs are set to line and level on a concrete bed and haunched for strength. They set the edge of the road and guide surface water to the gullies.
Highways ConstructionLayer 06 / 07
Binder course
Asphalt binder · bonded layers
The binder course is the structural asphalt layer. It's laid hot, compacted and bonded to the surface course that goes on top.
Highways ConstructionLayer 07 / 07
Surface course & lining
Wearing course · road markings
The surface course is the layer drivers actually see. Once it's down, the road is lined, signed and handed back to the network.
Highways Construction- 01Site clearance & excavation
- 02Carrier drain & gullies
- 03Utility ducts
- 04Sub-base
- 05Kerbs & channels
- 06Binder course
- 07Surface course & lining
From tender to handover
How we run a package.
- 01
Tender
Send us the drawings, BoQ or spec. We price it properly, point out risks early and come back on time.
- 02
Plan
RAMS, temporary works, programme and plant, all agreed with your site team before we arrive.
- 03
Build
Our own trained operatives and supervisors, with a daily diary and photos so you can see progress.
- 04
Handover
Tested, recorded and snagged, with as-builts and test certificates in your hands at completion.
Sectors
Same discipline, every sector.
Highways
Junctions, carriageways and embankments for main contractors on the strategic and local road network.
House building
Plot drainage, utilities, roads and sewers for housebuilders, whether it's 2 plots or 200.
Commercial
Foundations, car parks, service yards and external works for commercial new builds.
Industrial
Heavy-duty slabs, yards, drainage and ducting on industrial and logistics sites.
Domestic
Driveways, patios and gardens, built by the same teams to the same civils standard.
Safety
Safety comes first.
Following strict health and safety procedures is a top priority for everyone at Yates. Every operative is CSCS-trained and holds the right qualifications for their role.
- CSCSEvery operative holds a valid card for their role.
- NRSWAStreet works supervisors and operatives, for work in the highway.
- PTSPersonal Track Safety, for jobs on or near the railway.
- SMSTSSite Management Safety Training for our site managers.
- SSSTSSite Supervisor Safety Training for every supervisor.
- NEBOSHHealth and safety management, held in-house.
- Confined spaceTrained for deep drainage, chambers and shafts.
- First aidFirst aiders on every site.
- SWQRStreet Works Qualifications Register entries kept current.
