National Grid is using solar-powered information signs to help keep traffic moving during essential gas work in Twickenham.
Road users will get up-to-the-minute news on any traffic problems around work in Kingston Road to replace 188 metres of old cast iron gas main with new plastic pipe.
Work on the £157,000 project is being carried out by Morrison Utility Services in partnership with National Grid.
During the work, traffic is being diverted along London Road, Railway Approach, Station Yard, Heath Road, Copthall Gardens and Station Road onto Queens Road. To minimise disruption, road users are being kept up to date by solar-powered signs which show 'real time' information about road closures, re-openings and diversions along with details of the work being carried out and why it is needed.
The carbon-neutral Variable Message Signs (VMS) use a unique, low-power LED (light emitting diode) design, which provides high efficiency and visibility in all weather conditions. The signs are powered by solar panels, which charge during daylight and can store energy for use at night.Information is “beamed” to the signs electronically from remote locations, which means engineers can keep them up to date even when they are away from the site.
National Grid project engineer Robert Benn said: “This work has been planned in close consultation with the local authority and other agencies. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by our works, but we are hoping to keep traffic problems to a minimum by using the solar signs to beam the latest information direct to motorists.”
If you require more information on the work please contact 01753 872520 during office hours and 01277 814800 outside office hours.
The project forms part of National Grid’s ongoing mains replacement project. This has been agreed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and involves the replacement of all iron gas mains within 30 metres of buildings.
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For further media information contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations, or Carol Lloyd on 01926 655372.