Bright idea for motorways

Highways England has employed innovative lighting solutions to brighten the M62 motorway.

Working on the M62 J22-J25 scheme, Highways England approached specialist lighting companies in order adapt sodium lighting technology for the motorway.

This type of solution is common place for architectural ornamental lighting, such as monuments and halls, but this is the first time it is being used to light a highway.

The improvement work saw 1,618 street lights replaced with modern efficient LED lighting units on the M62 near Huddersfield and Halifax (junction 22 to 25), and the M621 near Leeds.

The new lighting is 53% more efficient, saving more than 700 tonnes of carbon a year, the equivalent energy of powering the homes of 20,000 people and 389,000 loads of washing. Further benefits comprise the need for minimal maintenance, meaning less disruption for drivers.

Works also included the upgrading of power supply equipment on both roads, while a remote monitoring system was also installed to control the new lights.

Highways England service delivery team leader for Yorkshire and Humber, Mark Ramsden, said: “This is a true example of taking innovation from another industry, modifying it for the highways sector, and improving value by locking in safety, customer, cost efficiencies and environment benefits.

“We have replaced the conventional lighting with the newly developed lighting to provide bright, effective illumination to highways and road signs – reducing maintenance and road closures for drivers.”

Image shows upgraded lighting on right hand side of carriageway in  comparison to the left.

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