Swindon, UK A419 solar panels to double-up as noise barriers

A popular road near in the UK county of Wiltshire may be soundproofed using solar panels which double-up as noise barriers. Swindon Borough Council leaders are creating a working group to explore the idea of installing the panels along the A419 dual carriageway near Swindon. The electricity generated is set to fund the scheme, possibly the first of its kind in Britain and targeted for completion within two years. Parts of the A419 already have standard noise barriers, with solar panels expected to cost €1.1
August 1, 2013 Read time: 1 min
A popular road near in the UK county of Wiltshire may be soundproofed using solar panels which double-up as noise barriers.

Swindon Borough Council leaders are creating a working group to explore the idea of installing the panels along the A419 dual carriageway near Swindon.

The electricity generated is set to fund the scheme, possibly the first of its kind in Britain and targeted for completion within two years.

Parts of the A419 already have standard noise barriers, with solar panels expected to cost €1.14 million (£1 million) per 1.61 kilometres.

The scheme is said to be supported by transport ministers and the 2309 Highways Agency.

The technology proposed for use on the A419 is already in use in Germany, Austria and Italy.

A progress report from the council’s working party is set to be heard by the Conservative-run authority next month.
Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Lagos state lights up with Low Energy Designs
    June 27, 2018
    Nigeria’s Lagos state government has outsourced around a third of its street lighting under a deal with UK manufacturer Low Energy Designs. 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. Products will be from Low Energy Design’s Phoenix Ultra and Norrsken ranges. Included is the deployment of the company’s HESS - hybrid energy storage system – units of which will also be installed across the h
    Read More
  • Intelligent road studs aim to make roads safer
    February 9, 2012
    High-tech road markings are being used in a bid make roads safer in Europe as Patrick Smith reports Intelligent road studs are being installed on two of the busiest sections of the main roads heading towards the port of Dover in County Kent, south-east England.
    Read More
  • UK Highways Agency unveils additional spending plans
    April 12, 2013
    In the UKL the Highways Agency has announced plans for an additional 58 schemes intended to boost the economy, reduce congestion and improve safety. These schemes form part of the third, and final, stage of the Highways Agency’s pinch point programme. The 58 schemes represent an investment of €114.6 million (£98 million) and are intended to remove bottlenecks and keep traffic moving on England’s motorways and major A roads. They will be delivered by March 2015 and will bring an estimated €1.64 billion (£1.4
    Read More
  • Make the move to warm mix
    May 15, 2020
    Warm mix asphalt accounts for just 4% of asphalt production in the UK.
    Read More

Highlighted Content