M3 underground ducting and cabling

Jackson Civil Engineering appointed VGC to install underground service ducts, to increase the capacity of the telecommunication links along the M3 corridor.

In 2006 Jackson Civil Engineering was engaged by NRTS (National Road Telecommunications Services) as part of its upgrade of the systems that link UK wide roadway communications devices (emergency telephone, CCTV, warning signs etc.). NRTS has the responsibility to upgrade, maintain and operate this vital network to ensure that the UK’s roads and motorways can run as safely and smoothly as possible.

We supplied and installed over 50 miles of underground service ducts and cabling of various types along the M3 from junction 2 to junction 9.

The ducting was typically a four-way pipe configuration with associated chambers and cable management systems. VGC installed and tested the 24-way fibre optic and 40-pair copper cables within the ducts. We also proved the adjoining earlier ducting system where the systems interfaced to ensure serviceability.

The contract involved work along the M3 motorway between junction 2 and junction 9 next to the open motorway. Managing the interface between the works and motorway traffic involved meticulous organisation of the plant and labour operations and careful coordination of material deliveries. Our flexible and collaborative approach ensured that the ducting and cable installation was successfully completed to meet the timescales of the main contract.