UK Power Networks has vowed to cut traffic delays as a result of its need to close roads for essential electrical works – thanks to software from 1Spatial.
Last year, the distribution network operator revealed how it had been trialling 1Spatial’s 1Streetworks technology to help it to streamline the process for planning small power connections. Following the success of that trial, the company is now ready to roll it out across all of its teams that plan roadworks to upgrade, install or maintain power cables on public roads.
The company has claimed that it’s the first utility company in the UK to roll out the tool, which can generate site-specific, safety-compliant traffic management plans in around two minutes for permit applications, replacing a task that previously took specialists several hours.
A trial covering 1,800 roadworks in the South East reported quicker turnaround of traffic management plans for small connections, disconnections and highway services, with the potential to reduce road closures. UK Power Networks also points to scope for higher customer satisfaction and fewer repeat site visits, cutting associated emissions.
A desktop review that retrospectively applied 1Streetworks to 50 road closure requests found 39% could have been avoided, a result mostly confirmed by site checks. With access now rolling out to teams in London, the South East and East of England, the company will test whether the benefits scale for customers, highway authorities and employees.
Once trained, users pinpoint the work location on a mapping system that produces traffic layouts compliant with the industry’s ‘Red Book’ code of practice, including signage, temporary signals, barriers and diversion routes. The designs factor in bus stops, schools, crossings, permanent traffic lights, speed limits and width restrictions.
UK Power Networks estimates the tool could be used on up to 30% of roughly 40,000 roadworks it undertakes each year, spanning disconnections of damaged equipment, new or altered small power connections, small-scale upgrades and emergency repairs.
Richard Boissieux, Streetworks Manager at UK Power Networks, commented, “We’re excited to be the first utility to adopt 1Spatial’s automated traffic management tool across all our operations. This innovation will help us to minimise road closures, reduce costs, streamline traffic management permits, deliver power connections and other works quickly and safely, efficiently improving services for customers, highways authorities, and our teams.”
Claire Milverton, 1Spatial CEO, added, “We are delighted to agree this milestone contract with UK Power Networks. It is testament to the demonstrable value provided by our innovative 1Streetworks solution. We are proud UK Power Networks have recognised the significant efficiency savings, improved customer services and a reduction in road closures that can be achieved. We look forward to continuing to work with UK Power Networks to unlock further value across their network.
“We believe the benefits of the UK Power Networks programme has value for all electricity, gas, water and telecommunications companies and has the potential to become a blueprint for the organisations who work in or coordinate essential work in the highway.”
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Kent County Council, concluded: “We welcome UK Power Networks’ adoption of the 1Streetworks tool. Innovations like this have the potential to significantly reduce disruption on Kent’s roads, helping communities access services more and improve coordination with us, as the highways authority.
“It’s encouraging to see a utility company take the lead in streamlining traffic management, and we would certainly like to see other organisations follow suit to deliver smarter, faster and less disruptive infrastructure works.”
UK Power Networks noted that while the software will help it streamline its planning process, traffic management specialists will continue to check the automated plans, with surveyors focusing on more complex layouts that are beyond the tool’s scope.
