Utility strikes during excavation cost the UK an estimated £2.4 billion a year. Network Plus is now introducing real-time detection technology, called Live Dig Radar, across its UK operations to cut this risk at source.
Real-time detection during excavation
Live Dig Radar is designed to identify buried cables, gas mains and water pipes as an excavation unfolds, rather than relying solely on pre-dig locating records. These records are often inaccurate or outdated, and ground conditions change with time.
The system sends continuous signals during digging to help crews spot underground assets before their equipment makes contact. This shifts the risk window from discovery at the point of strike to early warning and avoidance.
Typical consequences of utility strikes
When an excavator hits a utility, the consequences can be serious. Emergency evacuations, unplanned repairs and extended traffic delays are common. Strikes disrupt supply to homes and businesses and often leave patched carriageways or footways behind.
For the public, frequent disruptions undermine trust in street works. Quick, well-planned jobs are more acceptable than those extended by avoidable strikes.
Where Live Dig Radar fits in UK street works
The technology provides on-site teams with live data as the excavation progresses, correcting for inaccurate records or variable utility depths. This approach offers continuous situational awareness in environments where underground networks rarely conform to plans.
Network Plus describes adopting this technology as a “decisive shift toward eliminating underground utility strikes,” addressing one of the most persistent safety and cost challenges in construction and utilities work.
Impact on contractors, authorities and road users
Reducing utility strikes improves programme certainty, enhances workforce safety and maintains service continuity. It also minimises the need for emergency reinstatements, which can degrade the long-term condition of roads.
Every avoided strike means fewer patched and weakened surfaces, which supports better durability of the highway network under UK weather conditions.
Next steps for technology adoption
Network Plus has not detailed specific routes or contracts for the rollout. The critical test will be how thoroughly the technology is integrated into daily site routines and whether it becomes standard practice for crews and clients.
Wide adoption and trust in live detection tools are essential to achieving measurable reductions in strikes over time.
Practical decision over novelty
This nationwide deployment reflects a practical decision to tackle a costly, dangerous and widespread problem, rather than a technology push. On busy UK roads, where one utility strike can tie up a corridor for hours, early detection tools are a valuable addition to street works safety and programme management.
