The project was SGN/Forefront and Thames Water working collaboratively in the same area. Although the works were within the Southwark Borough,
Planning.
From the utility drawings and site inspections, it was clear that the route for the 180PE main could not be within the footpath, or just off the footpath, the preferred and usual locations when laying a main as the area was congested with other services & utilities. The only available space was in the centre of the road. To confirm this was correct, the local authority requested that this was evidenced. A Ground Penetrating Radar Survey (GPRS) was carried out at night at three separate locations:
1) Southwark Street/Stoney Street
2) Stoney St/Park St
3) Stoney St/Winchester Walk
The full width of the road and footpaths were surveyed, and the information shared with interested parties. The results were as expected, which meant that the 180PE main would somewhat meander either side of the centre of the road to avoid other supplies.
Each phase had an indicative 2-week period attached to it, giving the total time spent to be an estimated 8 weeks.
Included in the planning process, SGN and Forefront regularly updated all interested parties. As part of our communication process, it was stated that BT/Openreach, Thames Water, UKPN, Fulcrum Connections and a building developer had planned work in Stoney Street. Southwark Council requested that we look at cooperative working which would reduce the need for multiple work sites to string together and close the road for longer periods. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was issued to the other companies to ensure that all reached an agreement on the SGN program. The program was controlled by SGN/Forefront to avoid delays in the work and to influence the timeline of the others.
Communication.
On more than one occasion, the local traders, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and Borough Market management were spoken to directly and personally to brief them on the works and how it would impact their businesses. Paige Roberts attended the meetings and informed all that there would be online updates available during the project which would keep all informed on the progress of the works. Any concerns raised, were addressed. This included dust suppressing methods to avoid dust transferring to the open food stalls and using acoustic mats to stifle noise during the works.
Execution.
As planned, the work progressed well and received favourable comments from the previously sceptical businesses and traders. The project scope was 200m x 180 PE and approximately 6m x 90 PE.
To minimize the footprint on the site, vehicles and plant were kept to a minimum and stored in a nearby yard when not in use. Welfare and storage were also kept off-site. When carrying out collaborative working with the other utilities, similar requests to limit personnel and vehicles were also applied. Each utility provider was sequenced to avoid confusion and congesting the site. This site attracted a lot of attention by many interested parties and individuals, increasing the focus on getting things right first time. Simple things, such as synchronising the backfill and reinstatement were important to prevent traffic congestion and allow deliveries to the businesses to continue as normal as possible.
Free movement of pedestrians in the busy market was almost ‘business as usual’ which helped the area operate with minimal impact on traders.
The following is not a comprehensive list of the companies involved but does indicate some of the parties that had to be communicated with to keep the project on target:
• Greater London Authority (GLA)
• Thames Water (TW)
• Southwark Council
• UKPN
• BT/Openreach
• TfL
• Local businesses
Collaboration partners
BT, Open Reach, Thames Water, UKPN
Local authority
Southwark
Length Of Collaboration (metres)
101-200
Level Of Collaboration
Level 2
Estimated Days Saved
30
