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

  • Changing perceptions and going green with ITS
    May 26, 2022
    Entrants to the ITS (UK) Essay Award were asked to write about innovative application of ITS solutions to achieve decarbonisation goals. First-year apprentice Leora Wilson, who studies at Leeds College of Building as part of her apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald, won the competition with this entry…
  • Integrating traffic systems improves management and control
    April 25, 2012
    Following a successful trial in 2007, VicRoads has adopted Streams Motorway Management from Transmax as its primary traffic management and control system Throughout the world, the avoidable social cost of traffic congestion continues to rise each year with increased motorisation, urbanisation and population growth. Traffic congestion is responsible for an increase in travel times, vehicle operating costs and carbon emissions. In 2007, VicRoads commissioned Streams Motorway Management for the M1 Monash Freew
  • Radar and laser detectors save wild animals, protect drivers
    August 29, 2013
    The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) in Ontario, Canada, where collisions with wild animals cost the province more than US$95 million annually, has installed wildlife sensor and alert systems to reduce the number of animal-vehicle collisions on its highways. The MTO has installed two types of systems – one uses laser tripwires to detect animals and the other uses radar, an alternative that was found to address some of the challenges posed by laser systems. Neither system has yet been determined to be
  • Southampton City Council deploys bus lane enforcement solution
    June 7, 2016
    Southampton City Council in the UK is introducing CCTV enforcement of bus lanes in key areas of the city using Videalert’s DfT Manufacturer Certified hosted solution. The new fixed bus lane cameras will go live on 20 June 2016. The Videalert solution has been procured through Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) which has a ten-year contract to manage all highway infrastructure assets on behalf of Southampton City Council. Videalert’s hosted platform does not require any hardware or software to be i