Signs of future times from Costain and Swarco

Contractor Costain and Austrian manufacturer Swarco have collaborated to create and install the UK’s next generation of digital road message signs.
February 13, 2020 Read time: 1 min

The two companies developed the sign technology for Highways England, the government road asset agency, with Costain delivering the roadside controller and Swarco delivering the signs. According to Costain, the next generation of signs is getting messages to road users more quickly which, in turn, improves road safety and the journey experience for travellers.

The new signs use high-resolution colour optical technology components that enable clearer messages and graphics to be displayed in all weather conditions.

Less material including cabling is used in the manufacturing process which means maintenance requirements are reduced as well as the time engineers spend on roadside duties.

The signs can also display live video images of congestion on the road ahead. This video information could be provided to road users in the future, according to Ian Parker, managing director for transportation at Costain.

Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Innovative compaction advances
    July 23, 2024

    Innovative asphalt compaction machines are now being introduced by several of the major manufacturers, with solutions offering improved working efficiency and performance.

    Three of the most innovative developments for asphalt rollers come from Dynapac, BOMAG and Hamm, although new asphalt compactors are also being introduced by other firms such as Ammann and Caterpillar.

    Read More
  • Shorter queues with SRL's Multiphase ADS
    August 24, 2021
    Multiphase ADS – adaptive detection system - was modelled by Ian Routledge Consultancy.
    Read More
  • New tests, new technology, new users: why materials testing is a growing market
    February 7, 2017
    A look back at some of the developments this year, and a look ahead to what may come next reveals the increasing use of materials testing. New technology and new ways to process and analyse data will drive change even further - Kristina Smith reports For materials testing equipment manufacturers, constant change is business as usual. New tests emerge, new standards are written and new practices spread around regions and the world. There are also new materials to deal with: bitumen modified with polymers
    Read More
  • Cleaner engines, reduced emissions
    February 17, 2012
    The forthcoming Tier 4 emissions legislation represents a great leap forward in technology, Mike Woof reports
    Read More

Highlighted Content