Hagshaw Hill Phase 1 & 2

Initial Scope of Works

Power Professionals, contracted by Foundation Solutions HV (FSHV), were engaged to deliver specialist fibre optic installation works at Hagshaw Hill Phase 1 & 2. The scope followed SP Energy Networks’ TEL-03-012 General Specification for Underground Fibre Optic Cables and TEL-03-009 Specification for Testing of G.652 Single Mode Fibre Cables.

Key elements included:

• Supply, installation, and termination of non-metallic underground fibre cables within high voltage environments.
• Provision of ducts, sub-ducts, and appropriate splice chambers, with correct loop lengths for future maintenance.
• Compliance with ITU-T G.652 standards, including OTDR bi-directional and optical power meter testing at 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths.
• Fibre jointing and enclosure works in accordance with SPEN-approved procedures, ensuring strain-free routing, correct bend radii, and water ingress prevention.

Challenges and Delays (from DPR Summary)

The DPR Summary spreadsheet highlighted several operational challenges that contributed to delays:

• Adverse Weather Conditions – Heavy rain and high winds disrupted open trenching and cable pulling operations, causing work stoppages.
• Access Constraints – Limited site access due to turbine operations and restrictions around HV infrastructure caused re-sequencing of tasks.
• Ground Conditions – Unexpected obstructions and poor soil stability necessitated additional excavation support, slowing progress.
• Coordination Delays – Interface with other contractors on site led to intermittent stoppages awaiting clearance or completion of concurrent works.

Use of PowerDocs and Quality Assurance

In addition to the contracted scope, Power Professionals undertook out-of-scope works to ensure project continuity and protect installed infrastructure. These included:

• Additional sub-duct installation beyond the original route plan to bypass unforeseen obstructions.
• Temporary rerouting of fibre paths to maintain programme when access to certain chambers was restricted.
• Installation of extra cable protection measures in high-risk areas to mitigate potential third-party damage

Site Challenges (from “Hagshaw Hill Update and EWN” Email)

On-site conditions presented further challenges:

• Environmental Restrictions – Works were impacted by environmental management protocols requiring stoppage during certain ecological monitoring activities.
• Concurrent Construction Activities – Close proximity of civil and electrical works increased the risk of clashes, requiring continual coordination and adjustment of working sequences.
• Health & Safety Controls – Enhanced safety measures, including additional exclusion zones and manual handling restrictions in HV areas, increased set-up and task execution times.
• Change Management – EWN (Early Warning Notices) were issued for scope amendments and unforeseen physical constraints, requiring rapid agreement on method changes.

Conclusion

Despite the operational and environmental challenges, Power Professionals maintained compliance with SPEN fibre optic specifications, adapted to site conditions, and completed both in-scope and agreed out-of-scope works to safeguard project delivery. The proactive coordination with FSHV and other stakeholders was critical in mitigating delays and ensuring the high-quality installation of the Hagshaw Hill Phase 1 & 2 fibre network.