Walsall DSDA Access Project BAFFB Sep 2011

Appendix 3.8D
Utility Service Diversion Management Plan

DSDA Access Project

Utility Service Diversion Management Plan

Project Development Stage

A review of the C3 estimates will be undertaken in conjunction with the contractor

and the proposed work will be challenged if required.

A value engineering review will be undertaken . This will consider the potential to
installing protection to existing services and refining the scheme design, which
can sometimes reduce statutory undertakers work. For example, changing the
layout of the Bentley Road South and Heath Road junction from a roundabout to
a widened traffic signal junction will omit the need for an electricity substation and
gas governor to be relocated, with a significant cost saving.

For the junction realignments, if levels are kept as build up, then the statutory
undertakers may accept their apparatus remaining in position with no further
works, or may require protection slabs or contingency for future routes should
that apparatus become damaged or need replacing.

Pre-Construction Stage

C4 estimates will be commissioned early to maximis dialogue with the stautory

undertakers and ensure works are undertaken in accordance with the
programme.

Produce specification clause 1/16 and place work in project programme.

Request statutory undertakers special requirements and develop a working

relationship with each manager to ensure the work will be coordinated and all
parties are working together.

Request statutory undertakers maintenance/renewal schedules. It could be that

they have some maintenance/renewal work planned. Some companies plan
maintenance/renewal up to 5 years in advance. Any work that could be brought
forward or carried out in conjunction with project work would result in a saving for
both parties.

Carry out visual inspection and survey. Lift covers and take site records. Carry
out a dilapidation survey, record and report any damage before work
commences.

Carry out ground penetration radar survey mapping by a specialist company.

Depth to suit construction activities to minimise the cost. Deep surveys can be
undertaken by other means.

Construction Stage

Excavate trial holes on hot spots, congested areas, shallow services. Measure
and record.

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DSDA Access Project

Excavate trial holes on any old services and record condition.

If known apparatus cannot be located, query with Statutory Undertaker.

Organise regular meetings with the statutory undertakers and issue minutes.

Ensure all statutory undertakers are regularly and routinely issued with the latest
construction programme and confirm that they can achieve their elements.
Diversion programmes and outage periods restrictions could seriously affect
construction programme. It is essential to gain an early understanding of whether
33kv+ cables, oil pipelines, strategic water mains, IP or higher gas mains and
communications fibre networks are affected.

General Points

The contractor will review all information and consider whether, in their view,
diversion work be done in a different way to reduce costs. Is the diversion really
necessary? Can the equipment be left where it is and protection placed e.g.
concrete surround or slewed over to the new position (Virgin Media)?

Can some work be carried out by the main contractor to reduce the diversion
cost?

Can statutory undertakers share road crossings and trenches etc? e.g. Principal
contractor to excavate the trench and place ducts for several statutory
undertakers to utilise at a later date.

Whilst single service trenching would be an ideal solution, problems over

liabilities and timing of works could prevent this. However, there are still benefits
from timely coordination of the utility diversions, including partial backfill only to
early diversions, to minimising excavation depths for follow on works.

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To avoid duplicating costs what can be carried out under Principal Contractors
traffic management and pedestrian diversion plan? Also, site welfare provisions
can be shared to avoid unnecessary expense.

Services crossing on new bridges are expensive as the bridge is an on-line

replacement and temporary diversions may be required before the permanent
apparatus can be put back into the new structure. Early discussions will be
conducted re diverting the services off-line at the outset.

Consideration to be given to the supplies to lighting and traffic signals early so

this can be planned and installed with any service diversions.

Any proposal to remove extensive lengths of redundant ducts, pipes and cables
will be reviewed. Whilst many of these may be removed as part of the
carriageway construction process, significant cost savings may be realised if the
remaining apparatus is left in place, subject to satisfactory purging, spiking
grouting etc.

Consideration will be given to the use of light weight fill (Maxit or Litevoid) as
there is the potential to reduce the need for major service diversions due to their
susceptibility.

The site team will be required to keep an accurate record of all site attendance by
service diversion teams. Final invoices should be based on actual costs, if
necessary these can be questioned if accurate records have been kept.

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