When Winter Utility Surveys Work (And When They Don't)

If you’re planning civils or highways works for early 2026, you may be wondering whether to book your PAS 128 utility survey now or wait until spring. The truth is simple: PAS 128 surveys can be carried out all year round, but winter can be a strategic window — depending on your site conditions, access, and programme drivers.

Winter utility surveys help contractors get ahead before the new-year rush.

This guide explains when winter surveys make sense, when ground conditions cause real limitations, and how to plan ahead so your utility data is ready long before mobilisation.

Why Contractors Choose Winter for PAS 128 Surveys

1. Utility Diversion Lead Times Are Long

The biggest programme driver isn’t the survey itself — it’s the steps that follow. Once a PAS 128 Type B (M2) survey identifies potential utility clashes, diversion design typically takes:

• 3–4 weeks for statutory records and quotations

• 6–8 weeks for approvals and design

• 12–16 weeks before works can begin

A December survey can put diversion works into March. A February survey pushes it into May or June. That’s the real reason many contractors act now rather than later.

2. Better Accuracy in Early Tender Pricing

If you're pricing Q1/Q2 tenders, you need reliable underground data to cost:

• prelims

• TM requirements

• excavation and avoidance zones

• utility risk

A winter survey gives designers and QS teams reliable information at the start of the year.

3. Smoother Use of Year-End Budgets

Some clients have remaining budget before year-end, and a utility survey is a practical, risk-reducing allocation.

4. Avoiding the January–February Bottleneck

Every year surveyors see enquiries triple as sites prepare to mobilise. Booking ahead avoids delays and guarantees your preferred survey window and turnaround.

When Winter PAS 128 Surveys Work Well

Winter can be an ideal time for surveys when your site has:

• Hard-standing (tarmac, concrete, block paving)

• Good site access and lighting

• Minimal vegetation

• Dry or stable ground

• Existing statutory records in place (Type D complete)

Surveys that progress well in winter:

• Type D Desktop Searches — completely weather independent

• Type C Reconnaissance — visual inspections and walkovers

• Type B M2 Detection Surveys on maintained highways and car parks

As stated in the HSE guidance on underground services accurate utility information is essential before breaking ground — and winter doesn’t change that requirement.

Example: A car park extension on existing hard-standing with lighting — perfect winter candidate.

When Winter Creates Real Issues for Utility Surveys

Some conditions genuinely reduce GPR and EML performance:

• Frozen ground limits GPR depth

• Waterlogged surfaces distort EML signals

• Snow/ice cover prevents consistent GPR contact

• Soft, churned-up ground restricts safe equipment movement

• Reduced daylight lowers productivity on unlit sites

Greenfield or agricultural sites with no hard-standing often perform poorly in winter, and survey results may be limited or unreliable.

Example: A new housing development on muddy, unmade ground — better left until spring.

What You Should Be Doing Now for Early-2026 Projects

December

• Request statutory utility records (PAS 128 Type D)

• Identify sites with access restrictions or poor winter drainage

• Confirm which surveys must be completed before year-end

Early January

• Book Type B surveys for accessible, hard-standing surfaces

• Carry out Type C reconnaissance on constrained sites

• Begin discussions with statutory undertakers where clashes are expected

Late January–February

• Complete Type B surveys as weather allows

• Submit diversion applications based on findings

• Plan Type A verification trial holes (these require better weather and should only be booked after Type B results)

For more detail on survey types, see our internal guide here: What Do PAS 128 Survey Types (M1, M2, B, C, D) Mean?

The Bottom Line: Winter Isn't “Better” — It’s Strategic

Winter PAS 128 surveys are a planning advantage, not a requirement.

Book winter surveys when:

• Sites are accessible and hard-standing

• You are preparing tenders or early-year works

• You want to avoid January backlog and long diversion lead times

Wait until spring when:

• Ground is soft, waterlogged, or frozen

• The site is greenfield

• Your programme has flexibility

If you’re unsure whether your site is suitable, we’ll give you honest advice during enquiry — getting accurate data is always most important to us.

👉Visit www.aknengineering.co.uk or call 01279 927 033 to book your PAS 128 utility survey and plan your early-2026 works with confidence.