Adopted roads
Finding out who is responsible for a road
An adopted road is a road we look after and maintain. This includes repairs, inspections and general upkeep. It does not matter who owns the land underneath the road.
If a road has not been adopted, it is private. This means the owner or developer is responsible for maintaining it, not us.
What adoption means for you
If a road is adopted, we are responsible for:
- routine maintenance and repairs
- road safety inspections
- managing defects such as potholes
If a road is private, these responsibilities sit with the landowner, developer or affected householders.
Checking if a road is adopted
You can check the status of a road by using our road status map. This shows whether a road is adopted or private and is the quickest way to find out.
If you cannot find the road you are looking for, you can contact your local Roads office for help.
New roads on housing developments
Developers can build new roads to a standard that allows them to be adopted once all works are finished. Until that process is complete, the road remains private.
If you have a question about a new or unfinished road, you should contact the developer in the first instance.
Older private roads (built before 1985)
For older roads built before 1985, adoption is still possible. However, the owner must pay for any upgrades needed to bring the road up to an acceptable standard before we can take it over.
To find out what work may be required, contact your local Roads office.