Shared trenching
There are many advantages to be gained from using multi-service trenching which is why Utilityserve recommend this method wherever possible:-
- Less ground disturbance
- Fewer site visits by contactors
- Work with one multi-skilled team
- Overall cost savings
- Reduce periods of road opening notices
Trenches must be dug to NJUG (National Joint Utility Group) standards, including the positioning of each service pipe or cable and the order in which they are laid. It therefore helps if the contractor(s) carrying out the work is multi-skilled and experienced in working with all types of service supplies.
However, work in the public highway by the utility companies does require careful co-ordination for the timing of laying each service supply and arranging the various inspection visits.
Alternatively, there are approved installers listed on the Lloyds register that are allowed to carry out contestable work (work that utilities will allow qualified others to carry out – the opposite of non-contestable work like making a direct connection to a main) in the public highway (except for water). These companies are often referred to as Independent Connections Providers (ICP). However, these relatively large companies are usually more interested in larger developments and their prices can prove expensive for the smaller developer