This Chapter has been extracted from the ONS Explanatory Notes and provides a more detailed explanation of possible activities that could fall within the SIC Codes related to the Chapter.
This division includes general construction for civil engineering works. It includes new work, repair,
additions and alterations, the erection of pre-fabricated structures on the site and also construction of
temporary nature.
Included is the construction of heavy constructions such as motorways, streets, bridges, tunnels,
railways, airfields, harbours and other water projects, irrigation systems, sewerage systems, industrial
facilities, pipelines and electric lines, outdoor sports facilities, etc. This work can be carried out on own
account or on a fee or contract basis. Portions of the work and sometimes even the whole practical work
can be subcontracted out.
42.1 Construction of roads and railways
42.11 Construction of roads and motorways
This class includes:
- construction of motorways, streets, roads, other vehicular and pedestrian ways
- surface work on streets, roads, highways, bridges or tunnels:
• asphalt paving of roads
• road painting and other marking
• installation of crash barriers, traffic signs and the like
- construction of airfield runways
This class excludes:
- installation of street lighting and electrical signals, see 43.21
- architectural and engineering activities, see 71.1
- project management for construction, see 71.1
42.12 Construction of railways and underground railways
This class includes:
- construction of railways and subways
This class excludes:
- installation of lighting and electrical signals, see 43.21
- architectural and engineering activities, see 71.1
- project management for construction, see 71.1
42.13 Construction of bridges and tunnels
This class includes:
- construction of bridges, including those for elevated highways
- construction of tunnels
This class excludes:
- installation of lighting and electrical signals, see 43.21
- architectural and engineering activities, see 71.1
- project management for construction, see 71.1
42.2 Construction of utility projects
42.21 Construction of utility projects for fluids
This class includes the construction of distribution lines for transportation of fluids and related buildings and structures that are an integral part of these systems.
This class includes:
- construction of civil engineering constructions for:
• long-distance and urban pipelines
• water main and line construction
• irrigation systems (canals)
• reservoirs
- construction of:
• sewer systems, including repair
• sewage disposal plants
• pumping stations
This class also includes:
- water well drilling
This class excludes:
- project management activities related to civil engineering works, see 71.12
42.22 Construction of utility projects for electricity and telecommunications
This class includes the construction of distribution lines for electricity and telecommunications and related buildings and structures that are an integral part of these systems.
This class includes:
- construction of civil engineering constructions for:
• long-distance and urban communication and power lines
• power plants
This class excludes:
- project management activities related to civil engineering works, see 71.12
42.9 Construction of other civil engineering projects
42.91 Construction of water projects
This class includes:
- construction of:
• waterways, harbour and river works, pleasure ports (marinas), locks, etc.
• dams and dykes
- dredging of waterways
This class excludes:
- project management activities related to civil engineering works, see 71.12
42.99 Construction of other civil engineering projects n.e.c.
This class includes:
- construction of industrial facilities, except buildings, such as:
• refineries
• chemical plants
- construction work, other than buildings, such as:
• outdoor sports facilities
This class also includes:
- land subdivision with land improvement (e.g. adding of roads, utility infrastructure etc.)
This class excludes:
- installation of machinery and equipment, see 33.20
- land subdivision without land improvement, see 68.10
- project management activities related to civil engineering works, see 71.12
For all queries related to this Chapter or any other aspect of SIC Codes, please contact the Office of National Statistics on 01329 444970 or email classifications.helpdesk@ons.gov.uk.