Case studies

Trimble SiteVision– augmenting reality

The challenge

We have been using drawings to explain where services and structures are located for many years. This requires both excellent drawing skills, and the ability to visualise the drawn data in the real-world environment, which can be a complex task.

The project

As part of the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon project, we trialled the mixed-reality application Trimble SiteVision.

SiteVision uses cloud stored geospatial data, allowing on-site users to:

• visualise buried assets and building information models (BIM) live in the field.
• easily note and report back issues and observations

In the recent pandemic, we successfully trialled Trimble SiteVision together with Microsoft Teams. This helped the offsite engineering team to understand construction issues that site based workforce were experiencing.

Although it needs good data and good internet connection, the SiteVision device brought benefits from day one. It reduced the number of engineering visits needed for site clearance and boundary works as well as flagging potential issues earlier than normal.

Automated cone laying vehicles

The challenge

We need cones to protect road users and road workers while essential work is carried out on our roads.

At the moment, putting out cones is still a manual task, involving two people on the rear of a vehicle working in tandem.

We do most of this work at night, in all weather. Workers can lift up to 10 tonnes of equipment per shift. With motorway traffic thundering past, it can be a dangerous and frightening task.

The project

Working with a group of industry experts, we have developed two automated vehicles which will take the human element out of cone laying.

Our aim is for both vehicles to be the routine go-to options for cone laying on our network. This will eliminate one of the biggest risks facing roadworkers.

Highways Care

The Highways Care vehicle has completed its on-road trials and can now be taken out to the marketplace for use on the strategic road network.

King Highway Products

The second vehicle, developed by King Highway Products, is quite different. It uses a ‘revolver’ style rotating drum to lay and collect cones.

The King vehicle has recently completed extensive off-road testing at Manston Airport, Kent.

If successful, it will also be taken out to the marketplace along with the Highways Care version, for use on the strategic road network.

Transforming road markings

The challenge

We’re always looking to improve how we operate and maintain our roads.

When road markings need to be altered or removed, for example when lane layouts change, faint traces of the original markings can remain.

These 'ghost lines' can confuse motorists, particularly in very bright or wet conditions.

The competition

In partnership with Roadcare and Kier, We launched a global search for effective roadmarkings that:

• can be completely removed without damaging the road surface
• don’t leave ‘ghost lines’.

We used our Innovation Designated Fund to help finance the competition.

We received thirty-six entries from around the world. We chose seven winners and tested their materials including:

• lab trials in Madrid, where products were subjected to two million 'wheel overs'
• real-world all-weather testing on the M5 motorway in South West England.

The results

After laboratory testing, we installed the winning solutions on the M5 in April 2019. We tested their performance periodically and assessed the results against data from the laboratory turntable testing. We also tested five removal systems on each of the markings.

After two years of testing in all weathers on a stretch of road that saw 31 million vehicles pass through in that time, we have produced a full report of our findings.

The findings are to be considered as part of a road markings action plan within National Highways.

Connected and Autonomous Plant (CAP)

The opportunity

The introduction of Connected and Autonomous Plant (CAP) will positively change all aspects of the construction industry. The possible benefits of this new technology are vast.

We should explore, develop and adopt CAP across the highway sector.

The project

As part of our digital roads vision, together with i3P, we led the development of a roadmap to 2035, for the introduction and implementation of CAP.

This was a collaborative project which drew together over 70 representatives from clients, academia, industry, and government.

Stakeholders shared the development of the vision and explored how to overcome challenges in technology, standards, legal and commercial constraints.

The uptake of CAP into the construction industry could deliver a 20-25% improvement to construction productivity and transform safety.

The roadmap challenges industry to work together to embed digital and automated techniques to revolutionise construction.

Illuminate

The challenge

We're always looking for ways to use our existing infrastructure to push out information about traffic updates, speed limits and diversions – helping vehicles to plan journeys more effectively. This is a key part of our Digital Strategy.

Technology has emerged in recent years that allows us to make wider use of our lighting infrastructure. The roll-out of 5G and the IoT (Internet of Things) makes it practical to equip lights with devices such as wireless access points and cameras.

​The project​

Together with Kier Highways, we carried out a proof-of-concept trial on the Illuminate intelligent street lighting system at M40 junction 15 Longbridge roundabout near Birmingham. ​

We installed CCTV and communications technology in street lamps at the same time as we upgraded them to greener, more energy efficient LED lighting.

The Illuminate trial took place over five months in 2021 and successfully proved the concept. The technology was able to communicate data to office equipment and tablet computers.

Installing communication technology when we replace street lighting is efficient and safe. It's also less disruptive to the public, as it reduces the number of road closures we need.​

​The knowledge gained from the trial will help to shape our strategy for managing the Connected and Autonomous (CAV) infrastructure.

Mobile barrier

The challenge

Working in live lanes is a real risk to our workforce.

To work safely, we often need full carriageway closures which inconveniences road users. With increased traffic volumes this also puts more pressure on the network.​

The project

​The mobile barrier provides exceptional protection for both road workers and motorists and reduces the severity of incidents in and around work zones.​

​It provides physical protection, absorbing the impact of vehicles strikes from the side. A lorry mounted crash cushion gives protection from the rear, with approved lighting and signage providing ample visibility for all.​​

The barrier offers a number of benefits to road workers, including:​

• ​all round impact protection
• available for use 24/7 with correct maintenance
• versatile and adaptable to near-end far side works
• less resources, exposure time and costs with the ability to mirror off-side lane closure
• reduced overall night shifts on schemes​

​We are working with Kier we're exploring how the US made barrier can enhance safety measures and reduce road worker exposure. ​

​Mobile barriers are an innovative way of to increase protection for road workers. ​They’re helping customers too, because the faster we can get the work done safely, the better people’s journeys will be.

iDrain – intelligent flood alert system

The challenge

Flooding is one of the greatest persistent problems faced by the national strategic road infrastructure. It is becoming an increasing risk due to more severe weather events and ageing underground pipe networks that are difficult to monitor.

The risk of road traffic accidents and closures increases significantly during periods of heavy rain. Excessive carriageway surface water significantly reduces skid resistance. In extreme cases, it can cause aquaplaning and total loss of control.

The project

Together with Carnell, we developed a low-cost sensor connected solution that is triggered when water in drainage systems reaches criterial levels.

Designed to prevent flooding events on the strategic road network, iDrain allows us to monitor drainage chamber water levels remotely. It provides accurate live data on high risk flooding areas so we can target proactive maintenance.

If widely adopted, the solution will help reduce accidents and road closures, improve reliability on the network and ultimately boost the economy.

Progress-O-Meter

The challenge

The Progress-O-Meter is a customer information board which displays a monthly countdown and progress bar to scheme completion. We designed this initiative to help improve customer confidence that we will meet advertised roadwork completion dates.

The project

During a trial on the M6 between junctions 13 and 15, we conducted customer insight surveys to gauge reactions to the Progress-O-Meter boards. We also sought trial scheme feedback and monitored social media activity. We assessed the safety impact of the Progress-O-Meter billboards using closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring and M6 J13-15 incident logs.

The trial findings indicate that the board was considered safe and that customers liked the information we were giving. Almost all customers who saw the Progress-O-Meter said they gained some new information about the progress of the roadworks. All of these customers found the new information very or fairly useful.

We’re hoping that after some additional trialling on other schemes, we can roll this initiative out on all Major Projects roadwork. We hope customers will feel more satisfied when driving through roadworks with the awareness that work is progressing.

Warm mix asphalts

The challenge

One of many steps we’re taking to reduce our carbon emissions is encouraging the use of warm mix asphalts (WMAs) as standard across our supply chain.

Typical asphalts are produced at up to 190°C.

The simple principle behind WMA technologies is manufacturing asphalt at reduced temperatures but with additional additives

This uses less energy and delivers meaningful carbon savings without compromising performance.

The project

WMA is produced at temperatures up to 40°C lower than traditional asphalt.

If all production in the UK switched to WMA, it would save around 61,000 tonnes of CO2e a year. This is equivalent to cutting around 300 million miles of car journeys.

With a shorter cooling time and reduced risk of early life deformation, WMA allows longer working windows and increased shift outputs. It can also be recycled back into new asphalts, preventing waste.

In addition to carbon reduction and increased productivity, some of the other key benefits of switching to warm mix asphalts include:

Improved health and safety

Reduced temperatures help reduce risks associated with producing and laying asphalt at high temperatures such as

• burns
• exposure to fumes
• steam causing reduced visibility, particularly when wearing safety eyewear

WMA reduces fume generation by around 50% for each 10°C reduction in temperature.

Improved durability

As WMA is laid at lower temperatures and an increased amount can be laid in a single shift. It needs fewer construction joints in the road and less maintenance in the future.

Next steps

Our next step is encouraging everybody involved in building and maintaining the strategic road network, particularly designers and main contractors, to use WMAs.

More widespread use of WMA will help us achieve our aim of net zero carbon maintenance and construction activities by 2040. Best of all, WMAs can be laid using conventional paving equipment.

Hyperspectral remote sensing

The oportunity

In a ground-breaking project with Network Rail, we trialled new technology on helicopters to monitor the country’s rail and road networks.

With ‘eyes in the sky’, our teams explored how we could:

• improve road and rail network management and maintenance
• protect our workforce by reducing the amount of time spent on physical inspections.

The project

Using a helicopter equipped with the latest aerial remote sensing technology, we assessed the UK’s road and rail networks, which are often close to each other.

We trialled various technologies - hyperspectral remote sensor imaging, LiDAR and aerial photography - to assess their potential for monitoring the condition of assets such as manholes, pipes and drainage systems. These technologies could also be used to identify faults in our network so we can perform vital maintenance and renewal work more effectively.

The information gathered in this trial has helped us and Network Rail:

• explore new ways to monitor and maintain our networks
• understand potential infrastructure risks
• improve road safety and plan maintenance.

Due to the successful joint working through this project, our organisations are now working on plans for further trials and collaborations.

Green light optimal speed advisory (GLOSA)

The challenge

In 2019, we ran a competition seeking innovative ideas for developing digital roads and improving air quality.

One winning entry explored technology known as Green Light Optimised Speed Advisory (GLOSA). ​

GLOSA gives drivers speed information that helps them to pass through green traffic lights. This reduces the number of vehicle stop-starts at signalised motorway junctions and can, in turn, improve air quality.​

​The project

We worked with Amey to develop and trial the in-vehicle technology. Other partners involved included:​

• Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) – for traffic control systems access​
• Eastpoint – to develop the GLOSA app​
• Ricardo – for emissions testing​

​We ran the trial using traffic lights on three slip roads in the north west.

• the A627(M) Broadway junction
• the north and southbound roundabout approaches at junction 2 of the M66

We used a portable emission measurement system to capture real driving emissions data on these short routes.

We used two vehicles, a light commercial vehicle and a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), completing around 400 trips for the trial. We generated comparable data by doing a number of runs on the same slip road.

Initial analysis of results suggests that vehicle CO2 emissions were reduced by as much as 27% by minimising unnecessary speed changes.

This also led to a 17% reduction in the level of nitrogen oxide (NOx). The most promising results were from HGV testing.​

​We are now testing the technology with a different type of traffic signal control system. If testing is successful, we will start working on a GLOSA Strategy for potential roll-out in our third road period (RIS3 2025-2030).

The challenge

We are on a mission to tackle the blight of graffiti by finding new products to remove graffiti but also potential solutions that will prevent the vandalism appearing in the first place.

Graffiti on bridges and next to roads can be distracting for drivers and the clean-up often requires lane or road closures, disrupting traffic. And it is costly – up to £10,000 to remove one instance of graffiti.

The competition

We launched a competition with partners Kier and Connected Places Catapult to identify new solutions for dealing with graffiti. The programme sought to award up to six organisations with £30,000 to design a trial of their technology on a road network testbed.

The technology could include:

• Behaviour detection and analysis
• Solutions to reduce disruption to the road network while maintenance work is being carried out
• Visual deterrents
• Surveillance and CCTV
• Removable green walls
• Anti-graffiti coatings and paint
• Asset management solutions

The results

More than a dozen companies submitted their concepts and products. The five most promising are now developing their ideas. They will produce a feasibility study for National Highways to decide on the most promising products to take forward for use on the road network.

The five winning ideas are:

• Audio sensors that will detect the application of graffiti to alert authorities and trigger audio and visual deterrents.
• Artificial Intelligence software that will analyse behaviour to detect vandals at graffiti hotspots and then deterrents such as alarms and lights can be activated.
• Wall-climbing robotics that apply graffiti preventative paints, reducing the risk of such hazards as working at heights for the workforce.
• Using lasers to remove graffiti from surfaces whilst preventing additional damage to the finish of surface coatings and films.
• A 3D chemical coating to prevent the adhesion of graffiti to a variety of surfaces and films.

SAFETYcam

The challenge

Road workers are continually exposed to hazards associated with traffic and movement of vehicles on site.

The project

Developed by Carnell, SAFETYcam vans are an intelligent site safety innovation that protects road workers by using two complimentary vehicle detection systems. They record instances of dangerous driving and provide a conspicuous visual deterrent to poor driver behaviour.

When deployed, SAFETYcam virtually eliminates deliberate vehicle incursions and dramatically reduces the number of site vehicles exceeding site speed restrictions.

Features include:

• front and rear high definition video cameras
• speed camera (rear)
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system
• cloud-based data capture
• on-board wi-fi
• watermarked hard drive
• operator workspace
• welfare facilities

We funded trials using four SAFETYcam vans over a 12-month period. They proved successful in reducing site speeds, clearly demonstrating a positive change in site driver behaviour. We are now implementing the initiative on a wider scale.

During recent works, we used data collected from the onboard ANPR technology to develop a road safety campaign with the Central Motorway Police Group. This included 'education letters' to the registered keepers of 450 vehicles found exceeding the speed restrictions.

Enhanced customer response unit

The opportunity

Traditionally, we need up to three separate vehicles to deal with incidents on our network:

• Traffic Officer vehicle
• Asset Incident Watchman
• traffic management vehicle.

Our challenge was to develop more efficient approach to incident management, asset inspection and defect repair. Our focus was to improve journey times.

The project

Working with Kier, we've trialled a new Enhanced customer response unit (ECRU).

The ECRU can transport both our Traffic Officers and Asset Incident Watchmen. It carries a greater variety of tools and equipment, so watchmen can carry out repairs and clean and sweep the road in a safer, faster and more efficient manner. This removes the need for other vehicles to attend the incident.

ECRU features include:

• jetting equipment for oil spillages
• on-board welfare facilities, including kitchen and toilet
• Variable Message Signs (VMS) and crash cushions
• a mechanical sweeper to quickly clear up of debris

As a front line response unit, the ECRU will significantly improve incident clear-up times.

The quicker we can return roads to normal service, the more we can ease congestion. Our roadworkers will be safer if they can spend less time exposed to risk on our network.