Works Communicator: Essex Highways

Works Communicator: Improving Communication Around Highways Works

When roadworks are taking place, keeping residents and businesses informed can be just as important as the work itself. People want to know what is happening, when it is happening, how long it will take and, perhaps most importantly, whether there will be any disruption to their daily lives.

Essex Highways approached Webnetism to develop a new way of communicating highways works that would make information easier to access, easier to keep up to date and more useful for the people affected by each scheme.

The result was Works Communicator, a mobile-first web application designed to bring together scheme information, live updates, public questions and feedback in one accessible place.

The Challenge

Traditionally, communication around highways works can rely on a combination of letters, leaflets, website information, permit data and social media. While these channels can provide useful information, they can also mean that details become fragmented, inconsistent or difficult to keep up to date.

For residents and businesses, this can make it difficult to find the information they need at the point they need it. Essex Highways wanted to improve this experience by creating a more direct connection between the people carrying out the works and the communities affected by them. Residents shouldn't need to download an app, create an account or navigate through a large council website just to find out what is happening on their road.

A Simple Way to Access Information

Works Communicator uses QR codes to create a straightforward link between the physical works and the online information.

A QR code can be included on a letter or displayed on signage at the site. Residents simply scan the code using their phone and are taken directly to the relevant scheme page.

From there, they can access important information including:

• Details of the works

• Dates and times

• Phasing information

• Frequently asked questions

• Progress updates

• Photos from the site

• Answers to public questions

• Email and SMS update subscriptions

• Feedback options

Technologies Used in the Project

The project is bespoke to the requirements of Essex Highways.

Built with the following technologies: 

• Angular 20
• Bootstrap-based UI
• Azure MSAL authentication
• Angular Router and RxJS for app flow
• REST API integration
• Google Maps / reCAPTCHA / translation / analytics integrations
• SCSS theming and multi-environment configuration

This allowed for complete control over the functionality

Features and Functionality

Questions and Feedback

The platform provides a way for the public to ask questions and leave feedback, creating a two-way communication channel rather than simply broadcasting information.

Email and SMS Notifications

Residents can subscribe to receive updates about a particular scheme, allowing important changes to reach them without requiring them to repeatedly check the website.

Mobile-First Access

The entire experience has been designed around mobile use, reflecting the way residents are likely to access the platform – particularly when scanning a QR code from roadside signage.

Content Management

Engineers and administrators have different levels of access, allowing content to be managed appropriately while giving those working directly on schemes the ability to keep information current.

Engagement and Administration

Administrators can manage access, moderate content and monitor engagement and satisfaction, providing a broader view of how effectively the platform is being used.