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

  • Bartco launches temporary VMS for work zones
    February 8, 2016
    UK manufacturer of temporary, solar powered variable message signs (VMS), Bartco UK, will unveil what it claims is the first temporary VMS designed for use within work zones. The HD Quattro was developed in response to feedback from customers requiring a product to affirm on-site speed limits for work zone vehicles. Designed to show limited amounts of information, such as speed roundels, at just 600mm x 600mm, the free-standing, 12v battery-powered device is the smallest VMS in Bartco’s portfolio.
  • Erskine Bridge goes Bluetooth
    May 12, 2014
    The Erskine Bridge vehicle safety barrier replacement team introduced what is said to be a UK first in temporary traffic management on major trunk roads projects with the use of Bluetooth technology to monitor journey times and keep drivers updated on potential delays. Working on behalf of Transport Scotland, with Leeds-based Sky High Technology, contractor Highway Barrier Solutions and the Scotland TranServ project team introduced the origin-destination vehicle movement system to establish how long it w
  • Van driver banned for ignoring motorway incident road block
    October 18, 2018
    A van driver who ignored a Highways England road block on the UK’s M42 motorway has been banned from driving for six months. The case highlights the need for incident zone safety: the road block had been put in place by traffic officers following a fatal crash. Richard Leonard, head of road safety at Highways England, said: “We hope this case sends out an important message because those who ignore road closures put other people’s safety in jeopardy and this was clearly the case here for our traffic officers
  • Clearview launches Journey Time Monitoring System
    December 14, 2018
    Clearview Intelligence has launched its Journey Time Monitoring System which uses crowdsourced data to generate automatic traffic alerts for temporary and permanent routes. Paul Bates, head of product management for Clearview, says the system – which analyses anonymous GPS-determined locations transmitted by mobile phone and satellite navigation users - removes the need for installing and maintaining roadside technology. Operators can launch the application from a computer and receive data in minutes.