Skip to main content

Barnshaws’ curved steel post aids motorway traffic flow

UK company Barnshaws Metal Bending is supplying curved steel posts as part of a motorway sign designed to improve traffic flow on the UK’s new smart motorways. Smart motorways enable the hard shoulder to be used at peak times, creating a temporary fourth lane. Variable message signs (MS4) attached to the curved tubular steel post developed by Barnshaws display information for motorists, including when the hard shoulder is available for use. The design has resulted in faster installation of the signs
August 1, 2014 Read time: 1 min
UK company Barnshaws Metal Bending is supplying curved steel posts as part of a motorway sign designed to improve traffic flow on the UK’s new smart motorways.


Smart motorways enable the hard shoulder to be used at peak times, creating a temporary fourth lane.  Variable message signs (MS4) attached to the curved tubular steel post developed by Barnshaws display information for motorists, including when the hard shoulder is available for use.

The design has resulted in faster installation of the signs and less disruption to traffic during installation and maintenance.

Related Content

  • Webinar: Mitigating post-Covid traffic congestion
    September 13, 2022
    Traffic congestion is nearly back to pre-Covid levels in top US downtowns - but it’s not too late to do something about it, says StreetLight
  • Mayor’s lane rental scheme cuts roadwork disruption
    April 11, 2014
    A new study into London’s lane rental scheme shows that since its introduction the amount of serious and severe disruption caused by planned roadworks has been cut by 46 per cent on the capital’s busiest roads, reducing delays for all road users. The scheme, which came into effect in June 2012 on the busiest parts of London’s road network, is designed to encourage utility companies to avoid digging up the busiest roads at peak traffic times. Following the introduction of the scheme, around 90 per cent of
  • Aisin shows system to combat driving emergencies
    October 8, 2015
    Aisin Group is showcasing a new system which should make the roads safer in the event of drivers suffering sudden trauma such as a heart attack. It will detect if a driver falls unconscious and is able remotely to bring the car to a safe halt on the hard shoulder of a highway.
  • Singapore extends real time message signs
    September 16, 2013
    Motorists in Singapore can look forward to improved real-time traffic information and better traffic flow as the country’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) begins works to enhance existing electronic signboards along the expressways. The 380 existing island-wide expressway motoring advisory system (EMAS) electronic signs will be replaced with thirteen new signs. The new signs will be more readable, as they can display text and simple graphics in up to seven colours, including green, cyan and purple. The first