Clearway, in tandem with Kier Transportation, and supply chain partner Core Highways, have successfully addressed potential road safety issues on the A417 Missing Link Scheme’s main access point in the Cotswolds.
Concerns were raised about the practicality and safety of this busy junction becoming the main site entrance for the A417 Missing Link major project for National Highways. With reports of unsafe driving behaviour and a significant interface with Kier’s works, it was clear that an informed and innovative approach was needed to propose a safer temporary layout during the construction phase.
Working closely with Kier and Core, a Clearway solar-powered CCTV Tower was deployed, equipped with cutting-edge, AI-driven Vehicle Incident Detection and Traffic Monitoring Systems. This not only enabled the Kier team to conduct standard traffic surveys (count, classification etc.), it was also able to detect any Unsafe Acts and Near Misses.
The Clearway AI-powered camera technology was able to detect when vehicles crossing the A436 to join the westbound carriageway stopped foul of the eastbound carriageway or pulled out from the junction whilst a moving vehicle was present on the eastbound carriageway and recorded the number of counts.
The outcome was an informed junction redesign which will significantly reduce the potential for a number of unsafe driving acts and near misses, and therefore limit the likelihood of a serious accident.
This scheme won a National Highways Blue Star Award, an opportunity to recognise a company, team or
individual who has delivered benefits for Health, Safety or Wellbeing through innovation.
Pictured are representatives of Main Contractor, Kier Transportation – led by Project Director, Gavin Jones who was joined by Adam Cummins – A417 Traffic Management Manager and David McPherson – Health, Safety & Wellbeing Lead, A417. Core Highways’ MD for Major Projects Simon White was joined by Anthony Perry, Continual Improvement Manager and Clearway Technology were represented by Simon Waterfall General Manager – Highways.
