News

Connect Plus Services (CPS) is improving the safety and efficiency of maintenance on the M25 using new digital tools. Smarter lane closure management is driving better collaboration and reducing workforce exposure to traffic.

Developed using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology from Esri UK, the system is improving the sharing of information on carriageway closures, allowing them to be used simultaneously by multiple works teams. The result is fewer closures, less time spent on the live network, reduced traffic management measures and minimised disruption for millions of road users.

Strategic road network

The M25 network is one of the busiest roads in Europe and one of the UK's most strategically important road infrastructure systems. Connect Plus Services, a collaboration between Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis, operates and maintains the M25 and all adjoining trunk and slip roads, on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways.

By replacing outdated paper forms, spreadsheets and manual data handling with a cloud-based Esri GIS solution, CPS has eliminated scheduling overlaps and improved coordination across hundreds of projects.

Improved communication

“By overlaying live and planned closures on a map, we’ve unlocked better communication,” said Peter Bradbury, Digital Delivery Lead at CPS. “Field teams, planners and contractors now work from the same up-to-date information, optimising the use of road space and reducing risk.”

Working with Esri UK, CPS developed an automated process to update the new mapping interface with data from an existing road space bookings system. Early engagement with key stakeholders across the framework helped tailor the system to user needs, ensuring it became a ‘go-to’ tool rather than an add-on.

Working smarter

“The key benefit of the new tool is its ability to identify potential sharing opportunities, in a map-based format where location is paramount,” continued Peter. “The digital approach means teams can work smarter, minimising time spent on the network, cutting congestion and reducing the need for traffic management measures, including cones, diversions and traffic officers.”

In one example, a drainage renewal scheme, 242 existing lane closures were identified and shared. This reduced disruption for motorists and lowered the workforce risk by saving 36,000 staff hours on the live network.

Keeping workers safe

Workers are also alerted to any potentially hazardous locations when out on the network, such as buried utilities or live cables, using the ‘Near Me’ geo-fencing app. Alerts help avoid accidental strikes and notify staff when they are approaching locations of environmental importance, relating to protected or invasive species. This improved visibility of assets removes the need to look through paper documents before heading out or wasting time searching for items, often in the dark.

“This initiative is a working example of how geospatial technology can deliver digital transformation and make a real difference to major national infrastructure,” said Peter. “It’s about empowering teams to work more safely and more sustainably.”

Future plans

Ongoing development plans include using AI and machine learning for digital inspections to further limit closures and staff time spent roadside.

One pilot involves using CPS’s LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) imagery with machine learning in the GIS to automatically find where vegetation is encroaching on a carriageway. By creating high-resolution point clouds, trees are quickly identified that need attention without the need for a site visit.

Another proof of concept is exploring the automatic identification of faded road markings which pose a potential risk and need to be repainted. Using satellite imagery and object detection in the GIS, this type of remote inspection will become more important with the emergence of autonomous vehicles that ‘read’ road markings as part of their navigation.

“The CPS approach is a model for how digital transformation can reshape infrastructure management,” commented Craig Evenden, Head of AEC and Transport, Esri UK. “It aligns with national priorities around carbon reduction, climate resilience and smarter engineering.”

About Esri UK

Founded in 1969, Esri is the global market leader in Geographic Information System (GIS) software, location intelligence and mapping. UK customers include Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis, National Highways, Skanska, Mott MacDonald and Arcadis.

Website: www.esriuk.com/aec