InterRoute Implement a Digital Video Survey as Part of the Ongoing Asset Management Plan

In 2006, the Highways Agency awarded its first Enhanced Managing Agent Contractor (EMAC) contract to InterRoute the joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Mott MacDonald. This first EMAC was to be piloted in Area 2 covering Somerset, Avon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and parts of Devon.

Under the terms of the EMAC, the joint venture identifies, maintains, renews and improves all assets, and helps with network operations including routine work such as winter treatment, incident response and lighting repairs. The EMAC also carries out major maintenance work such as resurfacing and bridge refurbishment and maintain highway technology, such as electronic road signs.

At the start of the contract, IBI Group was commissioned to consult on asset management, and possible ways forward. Following this work, Area 2 commissioned IBI in 2006 to carry out a network video survey using the RouteMapper system. This was enhanced with changes to the network and central reserve video in 2007. In the summer of 2008, a new full network survey was commissioned, looking in detail at the larger interchanges on the network. In all, over 3,000km of the network in Area 2 has been surveyed between 2006 and 2008.

One of the first uses of the video was to verify current inventory and asset condition in a safe environment minimising the dangers of manual surveys on the fast moving trunk road network. As part of the ongoing verification, the RouteMapper desktop browser is being used to digitise any missing items. Engineers can view all camera angles, whilst the map shows position. The user can interact with the video, and extract and store the asset’s Ordnance Survey Grid Reference (OSGR). Measurements can be taken from any object visible within the imagery. The asset’s individual details including any measurements can be saved, reviewed and edited within the software.

As well as the Desktop Browser, IBI also provides web-based access to the video imagery through the RouteMapper Interactive platform, allowing engineers and Network Control Centre (NCC) operators to access the video via a standard web browser. This has proved a popular complement to the desktop browser, as the video can be made available instantly across the organisation as well as to external consultants, contractors and clients.

The joint venture team has found other uses for the data including:

•           Quick site confirmation for the NCC when talking to customers.

•           Identification of stolen roads signs

•           Visualisation of structures after accidents or for claims against the HA

•           Creation of works orders for vegetation encroachment

•           Location of county council cycle ways crossing the end of slip roads

•           Checking rock face mesh protection on cuttings next to the motorway

RouteMapper - developed by IBI Group - has been used within the roads/highways, rail, public transport, town planning, utilities, telecommunications and environmental sectors in 10 countries including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, France, Greece, Romania, Croatia, Israel and India.

Internet: www.routemapper.net