Joining up with Virgin Media

Hounslow Highways has joined up with Virgin Media for the communications provider to update equipment at the same time as footway works are carried out.

Hounslow Highways has provided Virgin Media with the CIP (Core Investment Programme) footway works schedule, highlighting poor or failed Virgin Media assets that need to be renewed.

There have been some issues recently where residents have lost their internet or phone connection when footway works have been carried out.

Through investigations, it has been determined that the cause is due to cables not being ducted and when the pavement is compressed or hot asphalt laid, the cables are squashed or melted.

Hounslow Highways Service Director Rob Gillespie said: “This collaboration allows Virgin Media to update old communications boxes, duct cables and fix broken ducts, before we issue Section 58 notices, which prevent underground utilities from excavating the pavement for a period of 18 months following reconstruction.”

Virgin will also supply Hounslow Highways with new communications boxes to install as footway works take place.

From next year, Virgin crews will accompany Hounslow Highways project managers on site walks to have input on upcoming works and which of their assets will need to be updated.