Fibre Optics

Eastern Group National Framework Contract

Value; £20m

Contract; Framework Contract

Term; 3 years

Location; UK

Description

After the success of the Elios project (340km of fibre optic communications trunk network),  Morrison was invited to tender for a 2 year framework contract for Civil Engineering and Fibre Optic cable construction throughout the U.K.
 
Following award of this framework, the first work order was to construct a route from Brighton to Heathrow via Dorking and Bracknell, a distance of some 140km.

The works involved the initial route planning, surveying, all noticing as well as construction, cabling & commissioning.

The programme duration was four months for the civils and sub-ducting work and 5 months for the cabling.

Due to this tight timescale the route planning, surveying and discussions with the relevant Highway authorities were all undertaken concurrently. The civils work was planned and started late November.

At the end of November we were asked if we could take on additional work from another contract in difficulties. This work was from Folkestone (Eurotunnel) to Brighton, again approximately 140km.

The route had already been planned and some civils work begun but quality and progress had been poor. We were awarded this work and agreed of  four months for civils and five months for cable.

To overcome previous problems we investigated alternate routes and methods of working i.e. obtaining road closures, working on 24 hour traffic control etc. not previously allowed by the Highway Authority.

In order to meet the agreed target dates on these contracts we achieved outputs on duct installation in excess of 26km per week, through careful planning, detailed discussions with the authorities, close site control and above all teamwork.