Guarding the Gateway: Tech-Powered M4 Safety
ERH implemented a full closure of the M4 between junctions 25a and 28 to deliver a resurfacing contract on behalf of SWTRA. This closure was considered high-profile due to the heavy traffic volumes on this stretch, serving as a gateway to Wales. It is a key route for tourists entering South Wales and for holidaymakers travelling to Cardiff Airport.
The lengthy diversion pushed traffic in the opposite direction from the closure points at the junction 26 and 27 entry slips. This raised concerns about incursions. As a result, ERH called upon HRS to enhance safety by implementing the Incursion Prevention & Warning System.
The system provided operatives with red “Portable Site Alarms” at each closure point. Each alarm is connected via a Multi-Network SIM, ensuring continuous connectivity even in poorly connected areas. Contractors were also equipped with blue “Portable Site Alarms,” which they always kept with them.
The Site agent Ricky Thomas working on behalf of ERH, conducted a site test on the first night of the closure. Ricky pressed the red alarm button at the mainline closure point, and a supervisor from Breedon immediately called him to ensure everything was alright. This test proved the alarm system’s effectiveness in a busy resurfacing operation, where two pavers were laying asphalt adjacent to each other in an operation known as Echelon Paving, with approximately 50 contractors onsite each night. The Echelon paving operations were spread throughout the site, reducing the space available for passing vehicles, thereby increasing the risk of errant vehicles coming too close.
When activated, the Incursion Prevention & Warning System triggers an instant visual red flashing light and an audible sound at 96 decibels from each Portable Site Alarm. This alerts everyone onsite to a potential security breach. Once the threat has passed and site integrity is confirmed, Ricky can authorize a system reset. This action causes all Portable Site Alarms to revert to green, indicating that the site is safe to continue work.
The crews from Breedon were comfortable using the equipment, as they had already encountered it during their work on the National Highways Network. The contractors expressed feeling safer knowing that the HRS system was in place for this contract.
“The guys put the portable site alarm on the paver, and that red light reassures them that something is coming. You don’t often see anything until it’s too late, and the TM (traffic management) is usually in the distance, so you’re out there on your own sometimes wondering what’s happening. Great system, bang on!”
– Ricky Thomas, Centregreat (Site Agent)
