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

  • Strategic road plan announced in the UK
    May 23, 2023
    A statement from National Highways in the UK said the emphasis is on boosting the economy “in an environmentally sustainable way” up to 2030 and beyond.
    Read More
  • Motoring groups critical over plans for Britain’s second toll motorway
    April 3, 2013
    Motoring groups have criticised plans to launch Britain’s second toll motorway as part of a multi-billion euro road –building programme to kick-start the economy. The Treasury is expected to guarantee the €1.18 billion (£1bn) borrowing costs for the Welsh government to pay for the construction of the new 14-mile M4 relief road in South Wales. The money for the dual carriageway, which will run between junctions 23 and 29 of the M4 and aims to reduce bottlenecks at the Byrnglas Tunnels near Newport, is then l
    Read More
  • Photovoltaic finish to road noise pollution
    January 2, 2013
    Patrizia Bellucci from the Research and New Technologies Division of ANAS, in Rome introduces a sustainable approach to road noise abatement Traffic noise has been recognised by the World Health Organization as a major factor contributing to environmental pollution. Besides causing annoyance, it has significant negative health impacts on populations living close to road infrastructure. In 2002, to help counter this state of affairs, the European Parliament and Council adopted Directive 2002/49/EC relating t
    Read More
  • Graphene-enhanced pavements join UK Live Labs programme
    September 1, 2020
    While some parts of the world are on pause, road construction and new technology trials are still underway, as these stories demonstrate - Kristina Smith reports
    Read More

Highlighted Content