Carnell's pioneering use of High Density Array Ground Probing Radar surveys to improve road worker safety was recognised at the Highways Awards on Wednesday evening.
Successful use of the innovative solution showed vastly improved data accuracy and significant cost-savings, which led to it being highly commended in the Best Use of New Technology in the Highways Industry category.
National Highways delivery partner Carnell originally teamed up with leading UK geospatial survey specialists Macleod Simmonds to trial the HDAGPR technology on the A585 Norcross Roundabout scheme, which was particularly congested with sub-surface utilities and pot-ended cables.
The non-invasive survey technique was able to detects unchartered, otherwise non-detectable cables in the ground, providing clear accurate data, informing the site team of the exact location of utilities cables, creating a safer working environment and minimising service interruption to local communities. As a result, the technology was rolled out on several schemes nationwide leading to the additional benefits of substantial cost and environmental savings on the project.
Macleod Simmonds have pioneered the use of HDAGPR technology, from heavily influencing the design of productised systems through to building their own deployment prototypes, the team are constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of efficiency and quality. Using a unique methodology, combined with their in-house software, the team have consistently proven the technique in the heavily utility congested, London streets and are now using this approach on the strategic road network.
Craig Simmonds, MD Macleod Simmonds “Being highly commended in the best use of new technology category at this year’s Highways Awards tops off an incredible year for Macleod Simmonds and is a fitting testimony to a fantastic partnership with the team at Carnell! We are all extremely proud of the outcome on this project and that our pioneering HDGPRS technology is transforming the way highway improvements are carried out, particularly its contribution to improving worker safety within the industry.
Andrew Sharp, MD Carnell “We are thrilled that our collaborative approach to improving road worker safety has been recognised at these prestigious Highways Awards. This is one of several initiatives we have developed to support National Highways in their aspiration to halve service strikes during RIS2. We are keen to promote this best practice approach to safe digging and encourage other delivery partners adopt this innovative technology.”