Skip to main content

Workzone safety system deemed a success

The first commercial implementation of Safelane automated traffic management has been deemed a success by its developer, Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS). Traffic management firm Chevron used Safelane during its management of a full carriageway closure on a bridge replacement project for Balfour Beatty on the M56 in Cheshire, UK. Safelane is part of the first collection of temporary road maintenance safety solutions combining modular electronic perimeters and variable message signs (VMS), launched l
March 23, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
The first commercial implementation of 7363 Safelane automated traffic management has been deemed a success by its developer, 6918 Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS).

Traffic management firm Chevron used Safelane during its management of a full carriageway closure on a bridge replacement project for 3902 Balfour Beatty on the M56 in Cheshire, UK.

Safelane is part of the first collection of temporary road maintenance safety solutions combining modular electronic perimeters and variable message signs (VMS), launched last autumn by temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions manufacturer, MVIS, in partnership with ITS technology firm Highways Resource Solutions Ltd (HRS).

MVIS’ VMS were deployed at all four closure points, with live streaming CCTV mounted on the same platforms. The 537 VMS were surrounded by HRS’ 7364 Intellicone intelligent cone barriers and contactless sensors to detect breaches.  VMS messages in advance of the work zone warned road users of the closure and CCTV surveillance. On detecting a breach of the workzone perimeter, the sensors automatically wirelessly trigger a VMS message to alert the driver of their error.

Said Chevron’s area manager, John Walls: “While improving the safety of our workers, we also used fewer men and vehicles per shift.  On our last shut down, we used six men and six vehicles per shift but, with the new kit in place, this was reduced to two of each per shift and we covered all closure points. The VMS element also meant that we were able to improve the information available to road users negotiating the roadworks. This was a very successful trial of the new solution, and we look forward to developing its application further in future schemes.”

Added MVIS’ managing director, Pat Musgrave:  “Work zone incursions pose one of the most significant risks to road workers, and we are pleased that this new solution has demonstrated its ability to reduce this level of risk.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Workzone app deal for One.network in Florida
    January 24, 2024
    Contract follows pilot where 2,000 workers were trained to use lane closure system
  • ITS asset management matters
    April 26, 2013
    Maintenance of on-road ITS kit needs to become more sophisticated; while new technologies can deliver better road maintenance. David Crawford investigates both sides of the issue "Good information is key to effective ITS asset maintenance,” says Ian Routledge of the Ian Routledge Consultancy (IRC), whose Imtrac (Information Management for TRAffic Control) system is poised for European expansion. Developed as an ‘intelligent filing cabinet’ for storing information about on-road equipment, the online database
  • Major road projects to improve journeys in Merseyside and Cheshire
    September 1, 2017
    Two major new road schemes worth more than US$388 million (£300 million) are set to cut congestion and improve journey times for hundreds of thousands of drivers in Merseyside and Cheshire, UK. Highways England has set out its preferred options for upgrading the key route to the Port of Liverpool and creating a new junction on the M56 near Runcorn following public consultations earlier this year.
  • Communications redundancy increases VMS reliability
    December 17, 2014
    Hybrid communications to variable message signs increase resilience to natural disasters and enable deployment in remote areas, as Alan Allegretto explains. Variable Message Signs (VMSs) are a common sight and a well-proven means to improve public safety on our roads and highways. ITS professionals rank the VMS as second only to interoperable radios as the most important technology to improve effectiveness during emergency incidents and evacuations. Ironically, however, current systems suffer from one criti