Embedding Change

Partner organisations are now recognising that dedicated resource is needed to extend the collaborative streetworks approach. Thames Water, Cadent and SGN have hired “Collaborators” to focus exclusively on coordinated infrastructure delivery. This network of specialists signals the importance utilities are now placing on achieving collaboration.

Regulation is changing to encourage industry to undertake collaborative streetworks. Following consultation with the energy sector’s regulator, Ofgem, the Collaborative Streetworks Incentive was included in the most recent GD2 business plans for Cadent and SGN (2021-2026). This innovative regulatory mechanism is designed to encourage gas companies to coordinate infrastructure delivery by offering a financial incentive when they successfully align the delivery of their streetworks to those of other stakeholders. We are supporting the utilities and regulators to explore incorporating incentives into additional sectors with engagement currently ongoing with Ofgem around the upcoming ED2 period (2023-2028) for power companies.

One priority for collaborative schemes is achieving the highest standard of health and safety on all streetworks projects. Together with external bodies and industry stakeholders, we are running consultations and workshops to better understand CDM regulations in relation to collaborative working on streetworks projects. This is to ensure that we overcome potential concerns around the ‘dig once’ approach in relation to CDM.

We developed a contract to formalise our approach to collaborative street works and govern the process, based on the established principles of the FAC-1 (Framework Alliance Contract). We are currently trialling our contract approach as part of streetwork projects with our key partners.

‘Healthy Streets’ is central to the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and encompasses the elements of a street’s design and construction that create a high-quality urban space and contribute to the health and inclusion of all users. City Hall is working closely with utilities, Transport for London and the boroughs to implement Healthy Streets interventions alongside collaborative streetworks. There is scope for a range of ‘micro-improvements’ to be delivered at little or no extra cost to works promoters (e.g. lowering kerbs or removing footway clutter), as well as opportunities to align utility works to Healthy Streets measures already proposed by local authorities and share costs of delivery.

Future proofing is an innovative approach to reduce excavations on the road network by pre-empting future infrastructure needs. Future proofing during collaborative streetworks can take many forms, such as: installing extra ducting, reusing existing assets or utilising adaptable construction typologies, among others. The Streets team have concluded a research project looking at ways future proofing can be taken forward and are piloting the approach on a project underway in Tower Hamlets.

Different types of collaboration bring varying degrees of benefit, with trench sharing being the most impactful. This involves works promoters excavating and working in the same trench, whether simultaneously or sequentially. We are working alongside our partners to implement trench sharing on suitable schemes. Benefits of trench sharing include a reduction in material waste, reduced space required for worksites, and associated societal and environmental benefits.

We are exploring collaborative schemes that make use of abandoned assets. This involves taking advantage of existing, unused infrastructure underground when laying new assets to accelerate works and reduce disruption.

Responding to the ongoing climate crisis and need for adaptation measures, we are incorporating sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) on our collaborative streetworks projects. We are using the data produced within the London Strategic SuDS Pilot Study to plan the delivery of the highest benefit-cost SuDS projects, thereby reducing the likelihood of future flooding on London's streets.