Highway & Network Management

Siemens unveils passively safe traffic-signal poles

March 12, 2018

Siemens has unveiled a range of passively safe traffic signal poles that are performance-rated against BS EN 12767 They come in a wide variety of forms, finish and lengths from 2-6m, said Keith Manston, head of product management for Siemens. The poles are CE marked with a specification label confirming key features as required by BS EN 12899 including construction material, corrosion resistance and strength characteristics.

Malawian city Zomba gets solar street lights

March 9, 2018

Zomba has become the first city in Malawi to install solar powered street lights, according to local media. The 261 solar powered street lights are going to cover the city’s boundary along the M3 road for around 7km. City authorities said they have responded to concerns about the possibility of poor lighting from the solar luminaries during the rainy season which can be long with continuous heavy cloud. The move is part of a strategy to reduce dependency on hydropower which is in short supply and can be

Lagos state lights up with Low Energy Designs

March 9, 2018

Nigeria’s Lagos state government has outsourced around a third of its street lighting under a deal with UK manufacturer Low Energy Designs. A total of 10,000 LED Street lights are set to be installed in Lagos, Nigeria by a United Kingdom firm, Low Energy Designs. The Lagos State Government recently entered into a partnership with the UK Company. The partnership deal will see LED replace up to 10,000 lights over 300km of state roads within the next year at a cost of US$7 million, Nigeria’s media reported.

Brazil road repairs needed across country

February 16, 2018

Brazil’s roads are in increasing need of repairs, but with no money available to spend on infrastructure upgrade, the Brazilian Government is having to take a different approach. The responsibility for key road sections will be handed over to private firms that will then be tasked with maintenance and repair work. Typical duties will include filling potholes and updating signalling systems. However this system will not provide additional funds for upgrading dual lane roads to dual carriageway status or for

Pollution-free highways of the future: a reality?

February 9, 2018

More collaboration is needed to reduce the impact of highways on the environment, particularly air quality. The technology already exists, argue Bram Miller* and Martin Broderick* The European Environment Agency produced a report showing that a slow improvement in air quality has been observed across Europe. However, 9% of urban Europeans were exposed to nitrogen dioxide emissions in excess of the EU’s annual maximum limit in 2015. Meanwhile, associations between highways and the environment tend to be n

Campbell Scientific launches smarter weather station, Weatherbrain

February 9, 2018

Campbell Scientific Canada has launched its WeatherBrain meteorological system for highways after a year of testing in the city of Magog, Canada. WeatherBrain is a software package that produces readable meteorological data for predicting road and weather conditions, allowing more efficient use of road crews.

Amey installing LED luminaires in a 3-year contract in Manchester

February 8, 2018

Amey has begun work in the UK city of Manchester replacing traditional discharge lamps with 56,000 LED luminaires in street lights under a three-year contract. Amey said that the LED lights will deliver significant energy and carbon emissions reductions, being around 60% more energy efficient. They provide more robust in-light service and improved colour recognition qualities with significantly reduced maintenance activities and running costs. Amey estimates that the upgrade will cut more than 7,000tonne

Early warning from the SPS 468 Chevron from SignPost Solutions

February 8, 2018

SignPost Solutions says that its new Chevron system is easy to install, highly durable and has a series of built-in safety features to protect drivers. The SPS 468 Chevron is designed to warn drivers of sharp bends and roundabouts. The post is manufactured from aluminium, making it lighter than steel and safer if hit by a vehicle, according to SignPost Solutions, part of Swarco Group. The aluminium post, part of the signStr8 range, also has a specially-designed flat edge to prevent the signs from rotati

Sony Europe launches a new series of SXGA modules - the XCG-CG160

February 8, 2018

Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions has introduced the first in a new series of SXGA modules - the Sony XCG-CG160. The camera, which features a 1/3-type IMX273 sensor, is a low-disruption way to move from CCD to GSCMOS. The manufacturers said that it is an ideal replacement for cameras using the Sony ICX445 CCD sensor. The first modules to be announced use the GigE standard, running at 75 frames per second in SXGA resolution. Black/white modules are available immediately and colour modules will ente

MOVA and SCOOT control for Coventry signal refurb by Siemens

February 8, 2018

Coventry City Council has awarded Siemens a new contract to design and refurbish traffic signal equipment and systems at nine signalised junctions in the city. The UK city council has tapped into the National Productivity Investment Fund to renew the end-of-life traffic control equipment with the latest designs and management systems to improve network performance and reliability and reduce maintenance costs.