Highway & Network Management

Twenty years ago Portugal was bottom of the European league in terms of roads and safety. A series of ambitious plans has seen the country rise to the top. Patrick Smith reports on how this was achieved

An advanced approach to maintenance is helping ensure that the UK county of Kent keeps on top of road drainage. Kent Highway Services (KHS) has a network of some 8,400km of roads and drains, which requires a fleet of vehicles to maintain and support. In order to keep traffic moving and avoid flooding hazards for motorists, road drainage systems have to be consistently monitored and maintained. Previously this was carried out on a reactive basis, but this has proved to be neither cost effective nor efficient

Our series of profiles on winning projects from the 2010 Global Road Achievement (GRAA) Awards continues with the Construction Methodology Category won by Barrier Systems/Utah Department of Transportation With any major road construction project, the disruption of traffic flow is of paramount concern for engineers, workers and travellers, particularly as it relates to increased traffic delays and the safety of those driving through the work zone.

Christophe Nicodème, ERF's Director General, explores a missing link in the road safety chain

Efficient and effective lighting is possible using the new Tornado bollard from US Architectural Lighting. This unit is said to offer a modern approach to public area lighting, along with significant energy-savings, while featuring a micro-prism lens, the unit produces a soft lighting effect.

Siemens is offering a sophisticated variable message sign (VMS), developed in the UK. The firm's new Elektra family of VMS is said to offer a versatile solution to meet the requirements of variable message signs in a wide variety of applications. Elektra provides visible information to drivers, helping reduce traffic congestion and journey times while minimising pollution levels from queuing traffic. Available in a range of different enclosure sizes, with display characters from 100-320mm and easy integrati

SAY Security is offering a novel technology developed for the lighting sector that can help reduce energy consumption. The firm is offering novel Chinese-developed eco lighting that features specially designed reflectors and light tubes. The products are design to operate in high--frequency and operate flicker free with electronic instant start, reduced electromagnetic and ultra-violet radiation between 20%-40%, prolonged durability and soft lighting characteristics. The lights are also said to be effective