Delivering better performance
By reviewing road safety data we identified sections of the road where lighting could be removed without increasing accident risk.
This reduced the number of columns needed from 185 to 117. We replaced conventional lamps with energy efficient LEDs that are brighter, last five times longer and improve drivers’ ability to detect colour and detail, enhancing safety. They automatically dim in response to ambient light levels and traffic flow.
Compared to the previous lighting system, energy consumption is 39% lower, delivering a CO2 reduction of 36t/annum. Columns are made of 95% recycled aluminium, which has an embodied carbon footprint five times lower than that of virgin steel, and have a 50 year lifespan, compared to 30 years for steel alternatives. Columns are founded on driven steel piles that can be removed and reused or recycled in future.
Client: Highways Agency