Highway Redesign, Tunbridge Wells

Underground Utility Survey A full Underground Utility Mapping exercise was undertaken...

Scope of Services:

Intersect Surveys was engaged to support a major highway redesign project in Tunbridge Wells, providing the foundational geospatial data required for accurate planning and informed decision-making. The works took place in a built-up urban environment, where precision and coordination with existing infrastructure were essential.

To assist with the early-stage design, we carried out a comprehensive suite of services:

  • Topographical Survey

  • Underground Utility Survey

  • Desktop Utility Record Search (STATS)

All data was delivered in 2D AutoCAD and PDF format, with levels and coordinates tied to the Ordnance Survey network using RTK GNSS equipment.

 
Underground Utility Survey
 

A full Underground Utility Mapping exercise was undertaken within the site boundary to identify the location and alignment of all detectable buried services.

Survey methods included:

  • Electromagnetic Locators (EML) to detect live cables and metallic pipes.

  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for non-metallic utilities and deeper infrastructure.

  • On-site spray marking of traced utilities, followed by CAD transfer onto the topographical base plan.

All detected utilities were cross-referenced with existing statutory records for validation. The final outputs provided accurate horizontal and depth positioning of key services, reducing the risk of service strikes during construction and helping to inform the design of new road alignments and service diversions.

 
 
Topographical Survey
 

The Topographical Survey provided a detailed and accurate representation of all relevant surface features within the specified survey extents. This included:

  • Building outlines (nearest flank walls), with height data recorded to ridge and eaves levels, subject to available lines of sight from public areas.

  • Highway features such as kerbs, footways, road markings, surface materials, and changes in gradient or camber.

  • Street furniture, including lighting columns, bollards, signage, and utility covers.

  • Vegetation data, including all trees with a trunk diameter above 150mm, with measured canopy spread, trunk girth, and estimated height.

  • Drainage and utility access points, shown as visible manholes and inspection chambers with cover levels recorded.

Survey levels were captured using a 10m grid spacing along with additional spot levels at points of elevation change and important surface features. The data allowed designers to accurately model existing conditions, aiding in alignment, drainage, and infrastructure design.

 
 

Desktop Record Search

To supplement our field investigations, a Desktop Utility Record Search was conducted as an early-stage risk reduction measure.

This included:

  • Gathering statutory records from all relevant utility providers, including water, gas, electricity, telecoms, and fibre.

  • Compiling the data into a consolidated report pack to give a complete picture of known underground infrastructure within the site area.

  • Providing utility drawings in vector and PDF format to assist the design team during pre-planning and feasibility assessments.

This record search ensured that the on-site survey was targeted and efficient, and it provided essential background information for utility coordination, CDM responsibilities, and client risk assessments.

"All buildings would be shown (nearest flank walls only) with levels to ridges & eaves, subject to lines-of-sight from site & the public highway"

Coordinate System

All Levels & Coordinates would be related to the OS Network (RTK GNSS).

Delivery / Output Details

The completed Survey were delivered as a digital version in 2D AutoCAD & PDF format.

Report and Impact
The data we supplied enabled engineers and designers to:
✅ Confidently model existing conditions and constraints
✅ Plan effective drainage, service diversions, and alignments
✅ Reduce design risk by understanding surface and subsurface features early

A reliable and efficient company

”We've been working with Intersect for several years and have always found them to be reliable, efficient and good value for money. I can honestly recommend them."

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Peter F , Commercial Director

Excellent customer care

”The whole process was very smooth from start to finish, with excellent communication and customer care. We'll definitely be working with Intersect in the future."

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Henry P , Director

Efficient and knowledgeable

”The in-depth knowledge which Intersect Surveys have in their field is second to none. They're efficient, helpful and in my opinion, excellent value. "

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Robert M , Site Manager

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