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

  • Interoperability facilitates mobility on Santiago’s toll roads
    August 10, 2016
    Drivers crossing Chile’s capital are benefitting from additional investment in ITS. Mauro Nogarin reports. Santiago de Chile is pioneering the development of concession-interoperable, multi-lane, free-flow urban highways. This road network crosses the city from north to south (Autopista Central), from east to west (Costanera Norte) and also includes the north-western (Vespucio Norte) and southern (Vespucio Sur) ring roads surrounding this metropolitan area of seven million people.
  • UVS and Dynniq take control
    September 10, 2021
    New contract with unnamed client sees Dynniq's ImCity displayed on 5m UVS video wall
  • Vaisala forecasts bright future for weather station
    October 8, 2015
    Vaisala is showing its latest weather station, which aims to give more accurate results to help provide safety information for road users. The heart of the new station is an onboard Linux computer. This enables it to take data from several sensors and interpolate between them, giving ‘best of breed’ information using the best elements of each sensor, said Daniel Johns, Vaisala’s global head of road and rail.
  • Continued focus on industry improvement required to ensure ongoing safety of Britain’s railways
    July 21, 2017
    The UK Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has published its Annual Report on Railway Health and Safety performance which shows passengers on the mainline railway continued to be assured of a safe journey on Britain’s railways. However, ORR identifies challenges which must be carefully managed if passengers and workers are to continue to be protected. On the mainline railway, there were several significant structural and earthwork failures, any of which could have resulted in potentially serious train accidents.