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

  • Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, an extradosed design, opens in Connecticut
    September 30, 2015
    The first extradosed designed bridge in the United States, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven, Connecticut, was opened to traffic on September 28.
    Read More
  • Formwork plays a leading role in global infrastructure projects
    June 13, 2012
    New and highly regarded existing formwork systems have been used in major recent transport-related construction projects across the globe. Guy Woodford looks at some of their applications The multi-million dollar Mississippi River Bridge project in the United State is creating a vital new gateway between Illinois and Missouri. Central to the project is the realignment and reconstruction of Interstate 70 and a new landmark bridge, featuring two pylons projecting vertically from the Mississippi river bed w
    Read More
  • Vaisala visibility sensors for Arizona
    April 3, 2023
    The Arizona Department of Transportation created an automated speed limit system based upon Vaisala’s PWD visibility sensors — a first in the US, says the manufacturer.
    Read More
  • Stirling Lloyd launches Bond Coat 3, part of the Eliminator series
    July 7, 2016
    Stirling Lloyd Polychem has introduced a cold, spray-applied bond coat that it says provides enhanced adhesion values and superior in-situ performance Bond Coat 3, part of the Eliminator bridge deck waterproofing system, “represents a significant development” in the provision of tack and bond coats that are used to adhere the asphalt surfacing to the waterproofing. It provides a fast-curing tack-free, durable protective finish that resists contamination and damage from traffic. It removes the risk of
    Read More

Highlighted Content