Over 75 percent of civils works completed on the Slough fibre rollout contract
VolkerHighways’ telecoms division has reached a significant milestone on its full fibre rollout contract in Slough, having passed over 157,000 metres of trench, completed over 75 percent of civils works, and passed 67 percent of homes.
The project, being delivered on behalf of CityFibre, began in October 2020 and is due to complete in September 2023. The contract involves excavating trench to install ducting, before blowing, splicing and finally testing the fibre optic cables.
The team is using a hybrid installation solution which includes building both new underground trench duct networks and overhead infrastructure, as well as using existing infrastructure. Almost 37,000 homes have been passed so far, enabling these homes and businesses to upgrade their current broadband to faster, more reliable internet.
The majority of micro-trenching works in residential areas has been completed. This type of trenching provides a more efficient and less disruptive solution for residents and for the environment.
The next phase of works will focus on major A-roads, and the team has around 10 dedicated gangs working on this part of the build. They will also be working with VolkerHighways’ in-house traffic management division to offer specialist knowledge of operating along the busy local roads.
Greg Kurnikov, operations director for VolkerHighways, said: “We are proud of our Slough team delivering this full fibre rollout contract. We are committed to working diligently, hand in hand with our client, CityFibre, to deliver ultra-speed broadband network to homes and businesses in Slough, within the set timescales.”