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

  • Bitumen technology ideal for road repairs
    July 4, 2012
    Mike Woof discusses some novel developments relating to bitumen In the developed countries of Western Europe there is an increasing shift away from new highway construction to maintaining and rebuilding existing roads. In Germany alone, a network of asphalt roads extending more than 600,000km will have to be maintained or repaired. Highway maintenance techniques do vary between European countries but some commonalities exist. There are techniques that have been sidelined in the last few years but which now
    Read More
  • Riyadh’s transport infrastructure upgrade programme
    August 29, 2013
    IRF chairman and mayor of Riyadh, Eng Abdullah A Almogbel, discusses the city’s massive infrastructure investment and the pressing need for this development work Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh is fast growing with a pressing need for additional transport infrastructure resulting in a massive investment programme. The oil industry has fuelled Riyadh’s rapid expansion from being a medium sized town just 100 years ago, to its status as a major city today. With the explosion in vehicle use during the 20th ce
    Read More
  • I Lift NY crane places first girder on New York’s Tappan Zee Bridge
    June 25, 2015
    One of the world’s largest cranes has placed the first steel girder assembly for the approach span of the new NY Bridge, often called the Tappen Zee Bridge in New York. The barge-mounted I Lift NY super crane with its nearly 100m boom slowly picked up the 125m unit from its delivery barge and gently lowered it onto concrete pedestals in the Hudson River, near the Rockland County side of the bridge. The super crane will install even larger sections of the new bridge, some of which weigh around 907tonne
    Read More
  • Tunnels - an environmentally attractive option?
    February 21, 2012
    While tunnels are often more expensive than bridges, they can offer environmentally attractive options for transport schemes. Tunnels offer environmentally attractive options for a range of transport infrastructure schemes, but in many cases high construction costs may restrict their use.
    Read More

Highlighted Content