Lanes Group has deployed the CleverScan manhole inspection technology on the £1.3bn National Highways A66 Northern Trans-Pennine scheme.
The CleverScan inspection system is highly portable, fast and accurate, according to Lanes. It creates a flat scan and a dense point cloud image of chambers up to 10m deep that can be merged into CAD and 3D applications.
Using CleverScan, Lanes teams can carry out more than 30 chamber surveys per shift, twice as many as conventional methods. The laser scanner is lightweight and can be operated away from a vehicle.
Data is added directly to National Highways shape files. These files are then sent via the cloud to a new dedicated highways drainage survey processing centre in Manchester.
The centre’s drainage data technicians then compile reports in line with client needs.
The service meets National Highways targets for updating the Highways Agency Drainage Data Management System, while providing detailed interim survey reports for client engineers.
Deployment on the A66
Lanes used CleverScan on the A66 improvement scheme between the M6 in Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner.
Between January and March 2023, drainage engineers from the Lanes Newcastle depot completed 40 night shifts, working on the eastern section of the planned upgrade route.
A team of Lanes drainage engineers from Preston and Manchester are due to begin a similar programme of works on a stretch of the A66 in Cumbria.
Lanes contract manager Andrew Lindsay said: “Combining the latest data capture technology like CleverScan with cloud data transfer and centralised processing is a game changer for our clients.
“We can give them more tailored reports that are more accurate and delivered faster than ever. If remedial work is needed, we have all the assets and skills needed as well.
“It’s an end-to-end service that maximises operational effectiveness, sustainability – through multi-tasking and use of digital technologies – and value, through efficiencies created by service integration.”
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