Well screen for use with external communication lines

A well screen for a borehole. The well screen may include an arcuate outer shroud, a mesh layer, and a drainage layer. The arcuate outer shroud may include perforations, a first longitudinal end, and a second longitudinal end. The first and second longitudinal ends may be spaced arcuately apart such that a gap is formed between the first and the second longitudinal ends of the outer shroud. The mesh layer may restrict flow of particulate materials of a predetermined size from passing therethrough and is positioned radially inward from the outer shroud. The mesh layer may include a first and a second longitudinal end that are radially aligned with the first and the second longitudinal ends of the outer shroud to continue the gap. The drainage layer may be positioned radially inward from to the mesh layer and may include at least one of perforations or louvers.