Kier Highways has revealed their Illuminate trial, which tests how existing highway infrastructure could be used to help make digital roads a reality for motorists
With the roll-out of 5G and IoT infrastructures, lighting could potentially be equipped with devices such as wireless access points and cameras.
A recent trial showed that closed-circuit television and wireless technology is among the kit that could be neatly stored inside the lanterns of streetlights alongside the National Highways network.
The technology stored in streetlights could be used to push out information on traffic updates, speed limits, and diversions – helping vehicles to plan journeys more effectively.
The ‘Illuminate’ trial was carried out on the M40 junction 15 Longbridge roundabout, near Birmingham. The CCTV and communications technology hidden away in the streetlamp was installed when the lights were switched to the energy-efficient LED lighting.
The five-month trial was successful and showed how technology could send data to office equipment and tablet computers. The knowledge gained in the trial will be used to help shape National Highways’ strategy for managing the Connected and Autonomous (CAV) infrastructure.
‘A safer and less disruptive way of working’
Carla Vicente, project manager at Kier Highways, said: “The Illuminate project has been a great example of collaboration across internal Kier teams, our client National Highways, the supply chain and the manufacturer.
“This proof of concept will feed into other future projects and the learnings will help to deliver more collaborative and sustainable projects which support National Highways’ Carbon Net Zero targets.
“Being able to install technology, such as CCTV, while we are replacing street lighting is a more efficient way of working and provides better value for customers. More importantly, it is a safer and less disruptive way of working, reducing the amount of road closures required.”
‘At the forefront of this digital revolution’
National Highways’ innovations lead for the Midlands, Lisa Maric, added: “These are exciting times as we progress on our Digital Roads journey with the growth of digital technology and the move to electric, connected and autonomous vehicles that will fundamentally change how we use roads in the future.
“National Highways is committed to ensuring we are at the forefront of this digital revolution and are paving the way for the greener and safer roads of tomorrow.
“Initial trials such as Illuminate will help us identify new innovations, technology and methods to meet our digital goals. We were pleased with how Illuminate performed as a proof of concept and the useful knowledge gained as we continue to plan for the roads of the future.”
