Stocked by Burdens nationwide distribution outlets, Integrated Ducting Systems (IDS) – is a unique and patented system of polyethylene access chambers, pole boxes, ducting, integral frames and covers, providing for the easy access of installation and replacement of buried cables and ducted services. It is simple to install while guaranteeing the integrity of the complete system. Recently, the addition of IDS MkII has further increased the options of the client/contractor with the use of a chamber that will achieve a C250 vertical loading when installed and backfilled with 10mm compacted clean stone. The elimination of the need for a concrete surround in footways gives the added benefit of less disruption to the existing surroundings and also decreases both inconvenience and working
times.

IDS is approved for use by local authorities nationwide and has been specified extensively in numerous traffic signal situations, from major motorway junctions to high street pedestrian crossings. The IDS Demountable Pole Chamber System has been developed specifically to aid the installation of traffic signal poles and to facilitate the reinstatement of poles without the need for excavation works. The system allows all civil engineering works to be carried out before poles are installed, thus improving continuity of operation, reducing labour costs, minimising highway and pavement disruption.

IDS Mark 2 – Access chambers for traffic signalling application

Among recent projects taking advantage of the benefits of IDS are the major roadworks at the M6 Junction 2 (A46/A4600) that will cut congestion, improve safety and provide access to the new Ansty Park development site off the A46. Here, 600mm × 600mm IDS Mark 2 was specified for the traffic signalling application. Work began on 16 February 2009 and will include additional lanes on M6 exit slip roads, A46 and A4600 approach roads, and around the circulatory carriageway. Traffic signals will be installed to better manage traffic flows at this junction, as well as to improve pedestrian and cyclist facilities. Also improvements to signs, lining, lighting and areas of landscaping will be made, along with the installation of CCTV throughout the junction to monitor and respond to traffic incidents. Further work will be taking place to modify the two smaller roundabouts on the A46 where it passes beneath the M69. The existing roundabouts will be removed and replaced with signal-controlled junctions to improve traffic flows and the approaches to these modified junctions will be realigned.

Global Orders For IDS Access Chambers

Much further afield, IDS medium-duty chambers have been supplied to New Zealand. In November 2007, IDS modular chamber was demonstrated to Telecom NZ. They liked the concept, but had very specific requirements for the chamber covers. So Humes Pipeline Systems embarked on a 12-month process to tool up to offer a range of covers certified to Australian Standards. Once samples of those were available, test installations were completed around New Zealand with the two main installation contractors (Transfield Services and EDI Downers). Network approval was given by Telecom NZ in late 2008 and since then the pit system has been rolled out throughout New Zealand.

At the same time, the company is working closely with many private fibre optic network suppliers to offer them the alternative to the traditional concrete or aluminium chambers.

Continuing the theme of exports IDS has been supplied to the Middle East for the Doha ring road scheme in Qatar. This involved shipping the IDS medium duty chambers in component parts ready to be assembled into chambers on site.

Passive safety

The evolution of the passive safety industry has proved beneficial to IDS with several contractors using the IDS mkii system as a chamber for encasing passive safety disconnection units which will have a significant impact on reducing the number of deaths after a crash or major incident involving street furniture.

Useful Links

• Burdens supplies IDS Mark II to Cardiff City Football Club. The development involved the realignment of various traffic signal junctions that required a twin wall structural access chamber solution. Find out more...
• Burdens Australia
• Burdens Middle East
• Integrated Ducting Systems (IDS)