UK Power Networks (UKPN) and Express utilities shared a trench for 200m in a strategic Location opposite a school saving 18 days of disruption.

UKPN identified the collaboration and approached Express utilities and the Local Authority, Hackney, who authorised a road closure for the work to be completed together rather than undertaking work multiple times under traffic lights.

UKPN installed their LV mains cable (200m In Length) in a combined trench with gas infrastructure.

A new footpath was being constructed along the full length of the south side of Morpeth Road as part of the planning requirement for the development of new properties. This route was originally going to be excavated and reinstated on many occasions due to the various utilities required for each of the buildings along the 200m route, as a result it was logical for collaborative working to take place.

Collaborative working was also a benefit under safety grounds since Lauriston School was located directly opposite to this site and we needed to minimise the disruption caused to the school and the potential risks involved in children passing excavations. These works would have been open for a prolonged period but collaborating reduced this duration and thus the risk to members of public.

Commentary on communication with local stakeholders:

An outlined plan was discussed with the local authority and Express Utilities to discuss shared communication with a letter drop delivered to local residents before works commenced, outlining the dates of work, work that is to be completed by each company and the benefits of working collaboratively.

Collaboration partners

Express Utilities

Local authority

Hackney

Length Of Collaboration (metres)

101-200

Level Of Collaboration

Level 2

Estimated Days Saved

18