The latest technology has been used throughout a major road resurfacing and maintenance scheme, to ensure swift completion and the safety of workers and road users.
National Highways carried out a string of essential works on the A52 in Nottinghamshire earlier this year.
Teams from across the sector came together to carry out the roadworks, between the Nottingham Road RSPCA junction at Radcliffe-on-Trent and the Stragglethorpe junction, in just 15 nights.
Among the list of works completed were resurfacing, litter picking, drainage surveys and repairs, upgrading street lights to more energy efficient LEDs and routine maintenance such as grass cutting.
The safety barrier was also renewed — by replacing 1,020 posts and over 110 barrier beams — which will extend the lifespan of the safety feature by over 15 years.
National Highways worked with contractors, Nottinghamshire Police and MP Ruth Edwards to make sure the scheme went ahead after a previous delay due to safety concerns.
To protect the workforce against any incursions into the site by vehicles or unauthorised people, contractor Amey used a hi-tech warning system using motion detection lasers mounted on traffic cones and CCTV devices that set off an alarm to alert teams working within the closure.
There was also a wireless warning button for workers to instantly raise the alarm if they spotted a breach of the work zone, and cameras were also in place.
A customer communication terminal on site provided residents and drivers with instant access to workers for information about the works, to prevent any confusion and help avoid incursions. It also meant the team did not need to staff every access, and were able to safely manage access for those living within the closures.
National Highways route manager, Nick Warren, said: “This was a shining example of how we can work closely with our partners and supply chain to deliver a swathe of essential maintenance and safety works as quickly as possible and minimising disruption for drivers and the local community.
“The safety of our workforce carrying out these important works is always our priority and we welcome any innovations, such as the technology utilised on this scheme, which will help to keep them safe.
“We are grateful to drivers and the local community for their patience while we worked to get this important scheme completed.”
Among the contractors who worked on the site were Amey, HW Martin traffic management, Carnell, Roocroft, Subscan UDS, Triple H Contracts and Hire, and Newline.
Amey account director, Martin Heeley, said: “This scheme underscores our effective collaboration and planning process with our key supply chain partners, ensuring a customer-focused service.
“The ability to accomplish such a diverse range of tasks within a single closure speaks volumes about our collaborative efforts alongside our supply chain partners and our client, National Highways.”
