SWARCO UK & Ireland has upgraded two overheight vehicle detection (OVD) systems for Shropshire Council, strengthening protection for bridges in Shrewsbury and Hanwood.

In the centre of Shrewsbury, the new system replaces non-compliant equipment that was no longer working and has been installed to protect the low arch Cross Street bridge, which carries eight railway lines through the town and beyond. 

The new Hanwood system protects a low-clearance railway bridge on the line towards Welshpool. The bridge’s low clearance has frequently caught out high sided vehicles and HGVs, resulting in temporary road closures and traffic delays, prompting local calls for action to improve safety.

SWARCO’s TOPAS-registered OVD systems detect overheight vehicles approaching a bridge and activate TSRGD-compliant fixed messages on LED warning signs, advising drivers to ‘Turn back’, ‘Divert right’ or ‘Divert left’, as appropriate.

The new systems are fully integrated with SWARCO’s MyCity platform, allowing the council to monitor and manage the signs remotely, including all activations and operational status.

David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for Highways, said: “Bridge strikes can cause significant disruption for residents, businesses and road users, as well as costly damage to important infrastructure. These upgraded overheight vehicle detection systems will help prevent such strikes, improving safety and reducing delays on our road network.”

Derek Williamson, Head of Urban Sales at SWARCO UK & Ireland, said: “Bridge strikes can cause significant damage to critical infrastructure and create serious risks for road users. These new OVD systems provide Shropshire Council with reliable protection for the bridges, while MyCity provides remote monitoring of the signs and system status.”

(Picture – SWARCO)