An expert task force has assessed entries into Amey's industry-wide challenge to ensure that no street work excavations are left open overnight by 2020.

The 2020 Challenge has now moved to the next stage, after more than 50 submitted products and techniques were reviewed and whittled down to six. These shortlisted solutions will be taken forward for research and development.

The taskforce, which was made up of operational and design experts in street works, was joined by innovation specialists from Amey's parent company, Ferrovial Services, and in-house experts from the MTC to test proof of concepts in a 'Dragon's Den' style pitching session.


A second team has also been working to look at the processes involved in street works to identify opportunities to improve processes, training and products that could potentially eliminate overnight excavations all together. They are due to share their initial findings in the coming weeks.

Gerry Mulholland, Director of HSEQ for Amey Utilities, said: "The response to the Challenge from across the industry has been fantastic. The collaboration we've seen during the task force week has resulted in some promising developments and we're looking forward to sharing our winning solution, or solutions, later this year.

"Being able to minimise the impact we have on the communities we work in, through this type of innovation, will benefit us, our clients and customers alike."

Winning designs are due to be rolled out at the end of the year.

(CM/JG)