LCRCA – Dig Once Strategy and Implementation

In advance of an ambitious metro fibre network build across the city region, the LCRCA were keen to establish an existing fibre asset base in key locations that complimented ongoing highway capital programme works with Local Authority partners.

CJ Founds were commissioned to deliver early interventions in developing a strategy and implementation plan that could be funded through the LCR Strategic Investment Fund.

Engaging with all authority stakeholders to better understand the potential for Dig-Once infrastructure, we developed a strategy document and a full appraisal model that assessed the suitability of potential schemes.

As part of the commission, we developed a full specification, including standard drawings for the Dig Once Assets, utilising our expert knowledge of Highway Capital Programme delivery to identify and inform the best potential candidate scheme opportunities.

Our relationship and understanding of the highway asset and digital infrastructure build allowed us to deliver a right-first-time approach in a shortened timescale, working collaboratively with all Local Authority Highway teams throughout the entire programme of activity.

The Dig Once Appraisal model enables scheme promoters to assess candidate schemes against a series of criteria, covering financial, strategic and deliverability, to determine if investment funding could be provided.

We have supported LCRCA and all LCR Local Authorities in appraising schemes, and have worked closely with legal teams to ensure full compliance with standards through the development and adoption of an Inter Authority Agreement.

Working closely with the LCRCA and providing guidance on key decisions, we provided business case and investment analysis to determine funding requirements and likely future commercial return.

Following scheme identification, we have worked closely with Local Authority partners and their Contractors to provide technical and programme support during implementation, undertaking compliance checking, audits and compiling As-Built information through BIM360.

The Dig Once Strategy and implementation plan was been cited by DCMS and the Industry as an exemplary approach to support accelerated fibre infrastructure deployment.