UK installs next-generation digital signage on its roads

Construction and engineering technology company, Costain, and traffic technology group, Swarco, have partnered to develop and install the next generation of digital road message signs across England.

On behalf of Highways England, the two companies worked on the technology behind the new signs with Costain delivering the roadside controller and Swarco delivering the signs.

Used for major road project

As a result of the support from the A14 team, the first of these signs were installed on the country’s largest road project between Cambridge and Huntingdon.

According to the partners, the new signs can relay messages to road users more quickly, thereby improving road safety and the journey experience for travellers.

The new signs use high-resolution colour optical technology components which aim to enable clearer messages and graphics to be displayed in all weather conditions, providing reliable and easy-to-understand information to keep road users continually informed about road conditions.

Fresh approaches to design and production also mean the signs are more cost-effective and easier to maintain. For example, less materials and cabling have been used, minimising maintenance requirements and the time engineers spend at the roadside.

“This results in highly legible, environmentally friendly road signs which also minimise maintenance time and costs”

In addition, the signs also have the capability to display live video pictures of congestion on the road ahead. Such information could be provided to road users in the future.

“We are at the forefront in developing low power, sustainable technologies to make our roads safer,” said Jeremy Cowling, vice president of intelligent transportation systems UK and APMEA at Swarco

“This results in highly legible, environmentally friendly road signs which also minimise maintenance time and costs.”

Costain and Swarco said they will be installing more of these new signs throughout the remainder of this year and into 2020 on the smart motorway programme including the M20, M23 and the M1.

“Costain is leading the way in the use of digital technologies on the strategic road network and changing the landscape in how road users use road signs, improving safety and journey experience,” added Ian Parker, managing director, transportation at Costain.