FlexiPole installed on famous Clifton Bridge

A number of Ritherdon passively-safe electroluminescent (EL) FlexiPole signpost systems have now been installed on the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, west England. Completed in 1864, the Bridge was originally designed to provide a safe crossing across a gorge for horse-drawn traffic; the chosen method of transport in the 19th century. However it now accommodates 21st century commuter traffic with in excess of 11,000 vehicles crossing the Bridge every day. The custodians of Clifton Suspension
April 11, 2013 Read time: 2 mins

A number of Ritherdon passively-safe electroluminescent (EL) FlexiPole signpost systems have now been installed on the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, west England.

Completed in 1864, the Bridge was originally designed to provide a safe crossing across a gorge for horse-drawn traffic; the chosen method of transport in the 19th century. However it now accommodates 21st century commuter traffic with in excess of 11,000 vehicles crossing the Bridge every day.

The custodians of Clifton Suspension Bridge, who are backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, expressed a need for an illuminated ‘keep left’ signpost that would be functional, durable and eco-friendly, but also fit in visually with the surroundings of the World Heritage Site.

5614 Ritherdon FlexiPoles were said to be chosen to grace the tolls at the entrance to the famous Bridge for their minimalistic appearance and low visual impact on the heritage of the site. They were also preferred, says Ritherdon, due to their EL material being more visible than any alternative light sources, especially in the adverse weather conditions that the Clifton Suspension Bridge is prone to, due to the height of the crossing over the Avon Gorge.

EL is described by Ritherdon as an optical and electrical phenomenon in which a material emits light in response to an electric current passed through it and, as it uses organic phosphor, is said by Ritherdon to be the most efficient light source on the planet.

Ritherdon claim that deploying an EL sign will save €118.95 [£100] a year and reactivate maintenance for a typical 300mm illuminated sign, with an additional saving of €17.84 [£15]-per-annum on energy which equates to 60kg of CO2. The Lancashire county, north-west England-based firm says potential savings are much greater for larger signs.
Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • AEM leaders’ set agenda for boosting manufacturing jobs and lift U.S. economy
    March 1, 2013
    Two senior U.S. construction equipment industry figures have called for action on priority policies to create manufacturing jobs and expand the American economy. Speaking during the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) ‘state of the industry policy update’ press conference, 2013 AEM chair and Caterpillar Group president Stu Levenick and AEM president Dennis Slater said the Association’s agenda in dealings with Government was focussed on improving transport and transport infrastructure, energy infras
    Read More
  • VIDEO – Explosive blast apart redundant US bridge
    July 13, 2015
    The Donora-Webster Bridge over the Monongahela River in the US has been demolished using explosives. The ageing structure spanned the Monongahela River, connecting Washington and Westmoreland Counties in Pennsylvania. The bridge was built in 1908 and originally carried a rail link but in 1938 the tracks were removed and the structure was modified so that it could handle motor vehicle traffic instead. The Donora-Webster Bridge linked Route 837 on the west side of the Monongahela River with Route 906 on the east bank.
    Read More
  • Decarbonising roads in the UK
    January 26, 2023
    A new grant scheme will help with decarbonising roads in the UK.
    Read More
  • Geosynthetic drainage technology developments
    June 13, 2012
    An innovative solution to providing vital, low-impact surface water control for one of Britain’s largest local authority road schemes is said to have been recently achieved using Hydro International’s (HI) Hydro Vortex Drop Shaft  ow control technology. The new 7km bypass built by Costain at Church Village, near Pontypridd, South Wales, required careful planning to minimise its effect on the countryside and the local environment. Rhondda Cynon Taff Council needed to bypass Church Village to reduce traf c
    Read More

Highlighted Content