Overview of works

Network Plus leads a regional first for combined gas (Cadent) and water (United Utilities) upgrades, coordinating two essential utility projects – replacement of ageing infrastructure – into a single programme of works and reducing the impact on local residents and the community by four weeks.

The De Trafford scheme provides a compelling, practical blueprint for the future of infrastructure delivery, with the potential to drive transformational change across the industry.

Key challenges

• Traditional ways of working – joint working historically undertaken chronologically rather than concurrently
• Human resources – availability of appropriately qualified operatives
• Community impact – minimising disruption to customers, communities and road users
• Environmental impact – limiting excavation and site activity
• Client expectations – completing on time and delivering identifiable operational efficiencies

Our approach

• Coordination – project centrally managed by Network Plus, providing a single point of control for planning, safety, delivery and communications
• Integration – remove the need for multiple contractors or handovers by engaging
• PGL Pipelines, whose engineers hold the dual competencies and safety accreditations required to work on both gas and water networks 
• Collaboration – driving effective communication between utility companies and the local authority, and engagement with local residents
• Future-proofing – supporting long-term resilience and the transition to lower-carbon energy

Outcomes

• Disruption reduced by  four weeks
• No road closures or temporary traffic lights required during works
• Access to homes was maintained throughout the works 
• Customers now benefit from modern, resilient infrastructure, reducing the likelihood of future leaks, bursts and unplanned interruptions to supply.
• Efficiency – reduced duplication of excavation, reinstatement and traffic management delivers significant savings
• Productivity – enhanced through shared resources and integrated delivery, with more efficient use of labour, plant and materials
• Environmental benefits – fewer excavations, reducing material usage and waste, and lower carbon emissions due to reduced plant utilisation and shorter programme

Summary

The De Trafford scheme has created a blueprint for collaborative infrastructure delivery. Network Plus is already supporting both utilities in identifying further opportunities across the region and the project has been shortlisted for an industry award.