Cascade Water Services recently completed a full multi-utility installation in London, delivering the entire scope of works — including a full carriageway road crossing, dual footpath excavations, and installation of gas, electric, and water services — within a 5-day operational window.
Project Scope and Requirements
The works involved the installation of new gas, electric, and potable water service to the boundary of a new residential property. Key elements of the scope included:
- Full carriageway road crossing under a managed road closure
- Excavation and utility installation within both footpaths and carriageway
- Full traffic management (TM) setup, including signage, barriers, diversion route implementation, and compliance with Chapter 8
- Installation of multi-utility ducting to utility providers’ specifications
- Reinstatement to current standards prior to reopening
Compliance and Technical Standards
All works were carried out in strict accordance with relevant national standards and statutory requirements, including:
- NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning and Colour Coding of Utilities (NJUG Volume 1)
- NJUG Volume 2 – Guidelines for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Apparatus in the Highway
- New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA)
- Safety at Street Works and Road Works – A Code of Practice (Red Book)
- HAUC (UK) regulations
- Specifications provided by individual utility providers
Utility service routes were designed and installed to maintain appropriate separation, depth, and protection in accordance with NJUG positioning requirements to ensure future maintainability, safety, and asset protection.
Execution Methodology
1. Traffic Management & Road Closure
A pre-agreed road closure was implemented to allow safe excavation across the carriageway. TM teams installed advanced warning signage, diversion signage, pedestrian management systems, and site protection barriers in full compliance with Chapter 8 and Red Book requirements.
2. Excavation & Duct Installation
- Carriageway and footpath excavations were completed using mechanical plant and manual excavation where required.
- Gas, electric, and water were installed to their designated NJUG-compliant corridors.
- Appropriate bedding, surround, and marker tape were applied to each service duct.
- Depth of cover and lateral separation were verified before backfilling.
3. Backfilling & Reinstatement
All trenches were backfilled using Type 1 MOT and compacted in accordance with NRSWA specification.
Carriageway and footpath reinstatement was completed using hot lay asphalt, paving and concrete where applicable, and compliant surface finishes. The site was fully reinstated to pre-works condition.
Programme Performance
Although the project had a one-week programme allowance, Cascade Water Services successfully delivered the entire works in 5 working days. This included:
- Road closure setup
- Excavation of all required trenches
- Installation of multi-utility ducting
- Backfilling and compaction
- Full reinstatement
- TM removal and site clearance
The accelerated delivery was achieved through coordinated planning, skilled operatives, and proactive on-site management.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Cascade Water Services’ capability to deliver technically complex, multi-utility installations efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with statutory and industry standards. Our team continues to support developers, contractors, and property owners with reliable solutions for water, gas, and electrical infrastructure across London and the surrounding regions.
Bringing years of expertise & experience to the areas of Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire.