Innovative road-work signage introduced in Worcestershire

The simple signage boards are fitted with GPS technology which means that messages can be sent out remotely to customers rather than requiring an onsite visit to set up.

Councillor Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council said,

‘’ Together with our partners Ringway, we are looking to rethink the way we manage highway services. The exciting introduction  of ‘Smart’ signage boards, whilst still in its infancy, has the potential to completely change the way signage is updated on site.

It’s essential that we provide the correct information to keep local people well informed.  I’m confident that these new signage boards will deliver real benefits going forward, offering real-time information about road works, road closures and diversion routes live from site.”

There are currently 11 ‘Smart’ signage boards in operation across Worcestershire. They work by transferring live data to a central network, which then feeds directly to drivers’ SatNavs, ensuring they are aware of any traffic delays from the works on the highway.

There is also the potential to expand the use of the signs to cover vulnerable sections of the road network, such as locations that flood, enabling information on road closures to be transmitted easily to the travelling public.

By reducing vehicle trips to manually change signs on site and mitigating unnecessary journeys by making motorists aware of road closures, the need to use diversions or alternative routes, there are also carbon reduction benefits too.

It is anticipated that the use of Smart signs will be expanded across the county in collaboration with partners over the next few years.  This should result in significant improvements in the speed and reliability of information being communicated to road users delivering greater customer satisfaction and environmental benefits.    

Find the latest roadworks, road closures, diversions and traffic restrictions across Worcestershire go to the Roadworks in Worcestershire pages of the County Council website.