How to Avoid Infrastructure Project Delays

The incoming Government has made it a mission to ‘Get Britain Building’ and, as well as the delivery of millions of new homes, it also committed to getting shovels in the ground on new infrastructure projects across the UK.

Whether it is new transport projects or utilities and renewables infrastructure, it is of vital importance to both society and the economy that they move forward as quickly as possible.

It is clear, however, that historically this has not always been the case when it comes to delivering infrastructure projects with delays at every stage, starting with planning, issues around communication, the gap between achieving planning and then practical delivery, and unforeseen risks that only come to light when the project is underway.

Ardent has, over many years, been at the heart of many successful new infrastructure projects and has therefore learned valuable lessons that help to inform our experienced and expert teams.

Whether it is our track-record in helping to deliver more than 15,000 new homes, supporting over 100 Development Consent Orders (DCOs) or working on projects that have helped to power 15 million homes, we have earned the trust and respect of the industry when it comes to major infrastructure.

Here, we share some of that experience and those learnings in a clear and practical way with five tips to help everyone including developers, contractors and local authorities in helping to overcome delay-causing issues and deliver more projects on time and on budget.

1.Plan thoroughly from the start 

It may sound like stating the obvious, but it is incredible how many projects fall foul of a lack of planning and such little thought given to contingencies when something, invariably, does not go as expected.

Therefore, it is vital to: 

• Carry out detailed assessments to identify risks and challenges at the outset, including utility surveys that can help to inform delivery.

• Have a clear stakeholder engagement plan, which includes regular communication and information-sharing.

• Include timelines and provide clear and defined project scopes so that all involved are clear on their role from the beginning. Having milestones that are achievable is crucial for all parties involved.

• Allow for contingencies – even the most detailed and defined plans can still be hit by circumstances out of anyone’s control. Be ready to flex and have that built into your plans.

Projects can be held up – sometimes in circumstances that feel minor but can have an impact on time and budget. Whether it’s miscommunication or a lack of understanding of how plans must be delivered practically, by following the tips above, these can be kept to a minimum.

Need help navigating project planning? Our team has supported major infrastructure developments across the UK. Get in touch on +44 (0) 20 3693 2500 or contact us here.

2.Invest in strong project management

Managing projects at the size and scale of major infrastructure programmes requires experience and expertise and is vital to being on time, on budget and to help avoid delays.

A strong project management team will: 

• Deliver the detailed plans that are in place from the outset but also have the experience and expertise to react quickly to circumstances.

• Manage resources – whether that is materials or people – to make sure key milestones are met and delays avoided.

• Be good communicators and ready to step in and solve disputes that could impact on the delivery of the project.

Technology can enhance good project management with some excellent software applications available, as well as tried and trusted Gantt Charts that remain a great way of planning, scheduling and visualising project delivery.

Looking for experienced project support?We’ve worked on more than 100 DCOs and helped deliver projects powering 15 million homes. Call us on +44 (0) 20 3693 2500.

3.Ensure effective communication with stakeholders

Communicating to stakeholders is key to making a project run smoothly once underway and keeping everyone involved informed is at the heart of delivering major infrastructure. 

The key to effective communication includes: 

• A clear and defined plan for ongoing communication and methods for ‘speaking’ to all stakeholders.

• Transparency – being open and honest allows for issues to be understood, overcome and worked through

• Inclusivity. Does everyone feel they can bring ideas/concerns to the table and be heard? The answer, here, needs to be yes. Communication is not just about informing – it is about listening and understanding where issues may arise.

The most successful projects are usually great examples of effective communication. Get this element right and there is a very strong chance that your project – no matter how large or small – will avoid any extended delays.

4. Mitigate risks proactively

With the delivery of major infrastructure projects comes inherent risks that can lead to costs spiralling and delays to completion.

Risk has to be planned for and managed from the very beginning in order to mitigate its impact on a scheme.

It is, therefore, vital to: 

• Plan for risks from the start of the project – looking ahead all the way to completion. It has to be an end-to-end risk mitigation strategy. This allows for risks to be managed from the outset and dealt with as and when they emerge.

• Define what you mean by risk so it is clear to all parties and assess potential costs. This could be anything from labour shortages and rising costs through to climate or geological factors.

• Understand each stakeholders’ attitude to risk from the start and have this reflected in who manages risk from the outset.

• Evolve the strategy. An end-to-end risk management plan is important, but it must be developed as the project moves forward, building on any risks/issues that have arisen as you move through the phases.

The management of risk requires diligent planning from the outset, but is a further example of how effective communication is crucial to the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects in order to avoid delays.

5. Adopt advanced technology

The role of technology in every industry is growing by the day and it is crucial to place it at the heart of a major infrastructure project in order for it to be a success.

Everyone in the industry will be aware of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and how it is utilised to allow the whole process to be managed but advances in technology have never been faster and, therefore, the market should be evaluated for the best solutions for the project you are about to embark on.

BIM, coupled with the Internet of Things (where products and devices are connected to the internet and can be controlled or provide data remotely) has made undoubted improvements to the whole process – from design right through project tracking and management.

It is also key to consider:

• How is the technology supporting collaboration, communication and decision-making across all stakeholders?

• Can Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) improve the delivery of the project at any or all stages of the project?

• The use of higher performing, advanced materials – as well as modern techniques – can add to the long-term success of a project.

Just as communication has a vital part to play at every stage of a successful infrastructure project, technology – in all its latest forms – has to be placed front and centre from the very start.

Need advice on integrating technology into your project? We’ve worked on some of the UK’s most complex infrastructure schemes. Give us a call on +44 (0) 20 3693 2500, or contact us here

How can Ardent help?

Our five tips for delivering major infrastructure projects and avoiding delays (which also lead to increased costs and negative headlines) is a surface-level guide, but we would encourage anyone about to embark on a project of this scale – whether you are a contractor or local authority – to get in touch to see how Ardent’s team of experts can support. 

Our team has provided professional, expert consultancy on a wide range of transport, regeneration, utilities and renewables projects right across the UK and Ireland. We are the only consultancy business to have been involved in 100 DCOs and we continue to grow through our desire to support developments that will have a significant, lasting and positive impact in local areas as well as the whole of the country.

As we know only too well, delivering change in our economy and our communities requires promoters to secure support and input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Not only is this often a legal requirement but it helps fully understand a problem, to identify the most appropriate solution and to deliver that solution in the most appropriate, cost effective and beneficial way.

It is for this reason that we are deeply committed to authentic stakeholder engagement, knowing that it not only influences design and planning but also magnifies benefits for communities and the environment. Our Planning & Engagement Directorate is tasked with championing this commitment and delivering for our clients.

Call us on +44 (0) 20 3693 2500 or send us a message.