National Highways has published a case study detailing how it replaced almost 6,000 road studs with solar powered LED ones on a section of the M6 in Staffordshire as part of our designated funds scheme.
The work was carried out in September and October between junctions 12 and 13, a section chosen because it is not well lit and suffered from a high number of sideswipe accidents, where the side of one vehicle hits, scrapes, or makes contact with the side of another.
To help reduce the number of accidents on this stretch, 5,860 new solar-powered Clearview Intelligence designed and manufactured SolarLite studs were installed which use high brightness LEDs to provide visibility, rather than reflection from vehicle headlights.
National Highways explains these solar studs provide ten times better visibility than traditional reflective studs, illuminating of up to 900 metres. This significantly increases driver reaction times, delivers ten nights’ operation on three hours of bright daylight and gives drivers a clear indication of lanes and junctions in all weather, enhancing driver confidence.
To help keep disruption to a minimum, work was carried out mostly under lane closures with some closures to entry and exit slip roads to allow work to be completed safely. In addition to this work, road markings were also renewed, maximising the use of closures in place.
National Highways Project Manager, Chris Carter, said: “Safety is our number one priority. The work we’ve carried out on this unlit section of the M6 will make a real difference to motorists, improving visibility and providing safer and smoother journeys.
The new solar-powered studs are more durable than standard road studs and require less maintenance, meaning less disruption in the long term thanks to fewer roadworks. This work will ensure the road remains safe for years to come.”
Clearview Intelligence’s Client Relationship Director, Andy Salotti added: “The adoption of our SolarLite solution on the M6 J12 – J13 by National Highways is testament to the benefits of active road stud delineation using solar and LED technology to provide a clear and consistent roadway ahead for the drivers.
“With the recent call by the RAC for a Government study into the issue of headlight glare causing safety issues for drivers at night it is great to see SolarLite from Clearview Intelligence being deployed to improve visibility and road safety for night time drivers.”
(Picture – National Highways)
