Working in live, complex environments means that encountering unexpected underground services is a constant challenge, and one that can lead to costly project delays, or worse, serious safety hazards.
At Alpha, we are committed to proactive technical leadership which is why we have been early adopters of the Ordnance Survey National Underground Asset Register (NUAR), a digital platform mapping the UK’s buried infrastructure.
Recently, we were delighted to be invited by the NUAR team to present our real-world experiences using the platform, showcasing exactly how we’ve integrated this technology into our everyday safe digging practices.
To demonstrate the power of the platform, our Operations Director, Robin Denton, shared a recent example from our flood defence construction works at a live substation.
While executing safe digging practices close to the proposed line of a new flood wall, our site team discovered an uncharted cable. Because it wasn’t on traditional utility plans, no supplier could initially confirm ownership.
Without clear information, work in that specific zone had to halt. In the past, traditional routes of investigation would have taken weeks of back-and-forth communication, threatening both the project’s timeline and the budget.
Instead, the team utilised the NUAR portal, with a quick search instantly identifying the asset owner, allowing us to establish contact, resolve the issue, and continue works safely and swiftly.
We look forward to continuing to build on this experience, keeping digital innovation at the heart of our commitment to safe, reliable project delivery.
