The Cathodic Protection Systems project saw McCann carry out essential inspection, testing and maintenance works across National Highways’ East Midlands (Area 7) network as part of our work on the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). The works were carried out in accordance with National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) standards.

Cathodic Protection (CP) is a form of corrosion prevention that stops metal structures from rusting by making them the cathode of an electrochemical cell, preventing metal loss. This project, undertaken as part of a mandatory six-year inspection cycle, ensured that CP systems protecting highway structures from corrosion remain fully operational, compliant, and effective in safeguarding the long-term integrity of infrastructure.

Working as Principal Contractor, McCann successfully updated National Highways’ asset records, verified the condition and performance of CP systems, and mitigated the risks associated with ageing electrical infrastructure, all while maintaining safe operations on live, high-speed road networks. Many of the electrical cabinets were located near National Emergency Access Refuge (NEAR) bays, requiring careful coordination to maintain access for emergency services and minimise disruption to road users.

Scope of Works

McCann’s scope involved delivering comprehensive survey, testing and remedial activities across multiple sites, including:

  • Asset Identification & Surveying: locating and verifying feeder pillars on highway structures using digital mapping and on-site validation.
  • Cathodic Protection Testing: undertaking full inspection and electrical testing of CP systems to confirm performance and the effectiveness of corrosion protection.
  • Remedial Works: completing minor repairs and corrective works during initial visits wherever possible, reducing repeat site attendance.
  • Asset Record Updates: providing accurate and up-to-date asset data to National Highways following surveys and testing.

Proactive planning, technical expertise, and efficient delivery strategies enabled McCann to overcome some initial project challenges, including incomplete asset data, working in locations with constrained access, and ensuring safe operations on high-speed roads.

Preparation, asset identification and team consistency

Extensive preparation works were undertaken before mobilisation. Limited historical records made it difficult to identify cabinets and their testing history. Desktop surveys and digital tools, including Google Maps and internal systems, were used to locate assets and plan how to access them prior to site visits, reducing the need for exploratory work and enabling efficient sequencing of activities. In many cases, assets were accessed via off-network parking locations and local footpaths, avoiding the need for traffic management during initial surveys.

Specialist access challenges, including sourcing keys for cabinets, were resolved without compromising programme delivery. Updated asset data was provided for all 15 cabinets.

A consistent four-person delivery team was deployed throughout the programme, bringing over 30 years of combined experience. This continuity ensured rapid identification and resolution of issues, consistent working practices across all sites and knowledge transfer and development opportunities for younger team members. Two members of the team progressed from apprentice roles into fully qualified street lighting electricians, demonstrating McCann’s commitment to skills development.

Logistical innovation

Many cabinets were close to NEAR emergency access bays, which required strict operational control to ensure there was no impact on the emergency services. Careful planning and adherence to NEAR bay protocols enabled safe access while maintaining full emergency availability. All works near live carriageways strictly adhered to 15-minute hard shoulder testing regulations, demonstrating a commitment to both regulatory compliance and workflow optimisation.

McCann coordinated with National Highways’ NEAR scheme teams to use existing traffic management setups for three sites, avoiding unnecessary duplication, cost and further road closures. Approximately £20,000 was saved through collaborative traffic management and efficient planning and further, future savings were made by eliminating 80% of follow-up visits through on-site remedial works.

There was no disruption to road users: innovative access routes and shared traffic management prevented road closures and delays, with only one closure required across all sites. Fewer site visits and streamlined operations lowered vehicle movements and emissions.

Safety-led execution

Safety remained central to all activities. Dynamic point-of-work risk assessments were completed at every location using McCann’s Integrated Management System (MIMS), a bespoke system that provides an overview of all site activities and digitalised paperwork, including RAMS, observations and works orders.

There were no safety breaches or disruption to emergency services throughout the programme, and all CP systems were tested and verified in line with National Highways’ standards. Traffic management was required for only one of the 15 sites, significantly reducing exposure to live traffic environments and minimising disruption to motorists.

This project demonstrated McCann’s ability to deliver complex electrical testing across live highway environments in a safe way, to schedule, and with as little disruption to road users as possible. More than routine maintenance, this project played a vital role in protecting the long-term integrity of the UK’s strategic road network, ensuring safer and more resilient infrastructure for road users across the East Midlands. An up-to-date asset register will make future testing and maintenance easier and more cost efficient.

This project safeguarded the longevity of critical highway structures, ensuring compliance with National Highways’ six-year CP testing cycle and demonstrated McCann’s specialist capability in AC/DC testing and infrastructure maintenance.