Enhancing Road Safety on the A417

Background

DBFO A417 Nettleton to Birdlip Junction

The missing link scheme in Gloucestershire aimed to address transportation challenges along the A417 corridor, including congestion and safety issues.

Within this initiative, a section of the A417 on the Cowley Road, from Nettleton to Birdlip Hill, emerged as a critical area of concern due to its history of collisions. Situated within a rural landscape, this stretch of road faced unique challenges.

Solution

National Highways responded decisively to the safety challenges along the A417 by implementing a solution centered around Clearview’s SolarLite Active Road Studs.

The key components of the solution included:

1. Installation of SolarLite Active Road Studs: Over 600 SolarLite Active Road Studs were installed on both carriageways along a 2-kilometre stretch of the A417, replacing the outdated retro-reflective road studs. These innovative studs, powered by solar energy, offer superior visibility and durability compared to traditional studs. With an operational lifespan of up to 10 years, the SolarLite studs require minimal maintenance, reducing the frequency of future repairs and road closures, thereby minimising disruptions for drivers.

2. Enhanced Visibility: The SolarLite Active Road Studs were strategically deployed to delineate road edges, the middle of the road, and highlight junctions and slip road
entry/exit points. The amber and bi-white studs ensured clear delineation, while the red and green studs provided additional visibility at critical junctures. Using powerful LED lights, the studs provide a view of the road ahead ten times further than traditional retro-reflective studs, offering drivers ten times longer to react to changes in the topography.

3. Safety Benefits: The low profile of less than 4mm ensured that the SolarLite studs did not present a hazard to motorcyclists. Additionally, these studs have been proven to reduce night-time accidents by more than 70 percent, further enhancing road safety along the A417 corridor.

4. Environmental Considerations: National Highways prioritised environmental considerations throughout the project, implementing measures to safeguard biodiversity and reduce ecological impact. The use of SolarLite road studs significantly minimised environmental impact, as they require no additional infrastructure for street lighting installation. Furthermore, by harnessing solar energy to power the studs, the project effectively mitigated light pollution, demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability.

Key Benefits

Superior distance visibility of road layout ahead compared to retro-reflective studs
Superior visibility even in poor weather conditions and on wet roads
Enhances driving experience, making drivers feel safer and more able to travel at night
Allows additional reaction time to respond to changing road layouts

Testimonial

“We want everyone using or working on our roads to be able to make their journeys reliably and safely. We’re pleased to have delivered this small but impactful safety scheme in collaboration with our supply chain colleagues, ahead of the A417 Missing Link.”

Sarah Lewis
National Highways Project Manager