Underground networks map spreads to whole of England and Wales

Coverage of an emerging digital map of power and broadband cables, gas and water pipes and other underground infrastructure has been extended to cover the whole of England and Wales

The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) has expanded coverage to include the South East, South West, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber and East of England according to the government’s Geospatial Commission.

The commission said it will “revolutionise the way we install, maintain, operate and repair the pipes and cables buried beneath our feet, growing our economy and reducing disruption to the public.”

NUAR includes data from all of the major energy and water providers, as well as from several major telecommunications companies, transport organisations and local authorities. Its advocates have estimated it will deliver £490m a year of economic growth through increased efficiencies in construction and development, less accidental damage to pipes and cables, and reduced disruption to the public and businesses from extended road closures and congestion, as well as improved workers’ safety.

Measures were tabled in Parliament last week to update existing legislation to “simplify and expedite the process by which this kind of asset data is shared.” According to the commission these updates will ensure workers have access to “up-to-date, comprehensive and standardised data when they need it. “This will reduce the time taken for workers to get all the location data they need to carry out safe digging from six days to 60 seconds - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Legislative reforms being sought would also ensure a sustainable service through fair and reasonable charges to asset owners.”

Geospatial Commission independent commissioner, Alexandra Notay, said: “I am very proud of the team at the Geospatial Commission for delivering this collaborative project for and with a wide range of industry stakeholders.