Amey has completed a lighting renewal programme on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge on behalf of National Highways, restoring full lighting coverage and supporting the long-term safety, reliability and resilience of a key transport link between England and South Wales.
The project involved the design, removal and replacement of the bridge’s original 314 N° life expired 10m flange plate mounted lighting columns and luminaires across the 3.2-mile bridge. The new lighting column and LED luminaires feature Central Management System (CMS) technology, along with replacement cut-outs and associated wiring.
Delivered through overnight working to minimise disruption to road users, the scheme provides a long-term solution for a critical section of the strategic road network. The new LED technology improves lighting quality for road users, reduces energy consumption and associated carbon emissions by more than 50 per cent, and increases future network reliability while reducing future maintenance requirements.
Following a detailed assessment of the existing assets, National Highways determined that a full replacement programme represented the most effective long-term approach to maintaining safety and network performance.
Delivered in close collaboration with National Highways, the programme presented a number of significant engineering and operational challenges, including the specialist load testing of the sockets cast into the original bridge structure, to which the lighting columns were secured. Teams worked overnight on a live motorway route, often at height and in challenging weather conditions, while maintaining traffic management arrangements and minimising disruption to road users. The bridge’s exposed marine environment also required the use of specialist stainless steel fixing components designed to withstand corrosion and the challenging conditions of the Severn Estuary.
Ian Evans, Street Lighting and ICP Connections Account Director at Amey, said:
“We are pleased to have successfully completed this important renewal programme on behalf of National Highways.
“The Prince of Wales Bridge is a vital transport link used by thousands of road users every day, and this work will help support the safe and reliable operation of the route for years to come.
“By working closely with National Highways and drawing on expertise from across our Highways Technology Services, Consulting and specialist bridge maintenance teams, we have delivered a complex scheme in a challenging environment while minimising disruption to customers. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and professionalism throughout. This achievement demonstrates how collaborative working and specialist expertise can support the long-term performance of critical transport infrastructure.”
(Picture: Amey)
