NHS Dumfries & Galloway and Dumfries & Galloway Council are working in partnership to procure a seven mile long fibre optic cable around Dumfries town, a contributing factor in the delivery of a new ‘digital hospital’, new data centre, and the flexibility to support joined up services throughout the region.
Preparation work for the cable to be installed started last May and is currently on schedule with half the ducts now in the ground ready for the cables. Installation of the remainder of the ducts is underway, being carried out by David Hardie Engineering Ltd and due to complete next May. They will run from Troqueer through Millgreen, Market Square, over Galloway Street into College Street before crossing Glasgow Street into Lochfield Road and Hardthorn Crescent, and connecting to ducts already along Dumfries bypass.
Crossing under the River Nith twice at Castledykes is technically the most difficult part and is being carried out by specialist drilling contractor Nicol of Skene from Aberdeenshire. They have completed the first duct drill downstream of Kirkpatrick Macmillan Bridge, and have recently commenced the second drill upstream of the bridge.
Tenders are currently being sought for installation of fibre optic cables into the ducts, with works due to commence early 2017 and be complete by the end of July 2017.
The Board and the Council would like to highlight that this is essential work to enable the delivery of improved information technology for public services in our region, and the new hospital which is scheduled to open in December 2017. They would also like to reassure the public that they will continue to be given advance notice as the works progress through the town over the coming months.
