TWM Traffic Control Systems Ltd – a division of Manchester-based sustainability experts, Pilot Group – has secured a contract with the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board (TRBJB) to maintain and improve traffic management systems across the historic Tay Road Bridge.
The two-year maintenance contract, with a one-year extension option, is supplemented by an additional communications system requirement to upgrade a number of existing signs to a 4G system and integrating these into the existing TRAMS control system, due to a 2G network, Paknet, which is now redundant.
Variable message signs are used to improve and control congestion, warning drivers of excess speeds, unforeseen hazards and any impending bridge restrictions due to extreme weather conditions. Strategically positioned signs on the Dundee and Fife approaches to the bridge form part of a wider Intelligent Transport System (ITS).
The Tay Road Bridge carries the A92 road across the Firth of Tay from Newport-on-Tay in Fife to Dundee and is used by up to 27,000 vehicles a day. As part of the dual-phase project, which commenced in February 2022, TWM has also been selected as the preferred supplier for a potential third phase to replace ageing signage within the system.
Using a combination of sensor technology and wireless communications, TWM Traffic’s ITS solutions can be adapted for any application businesses may require on infrastructure networks.
Chris Rayner, national sales manager for TWM, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this contract as it represents a great opportunity for TWM to work with the Tay Road Bridge. It also showcases the experience gained in the recent acquisition of the ‘urban driving environment’ division of signage-systems firm vms to further our capabilities in the ITS market and is the result of great work by vms’ Business Development Manager Robert Scrafton and the team.”
“We have a passion for developing equipment that brings enhanced road safety for drivers and believe the upgraded signs will ensure we increase road safety throughout the region, improve traffic flow and ultimately lower congestion on the Bridge. We look forward to seeing the results of these improvements and continuing our relationship with the TRBJB into the future.”
Alan Hutchison, Bridge Manager at TRBJB, said: “Using our current system, there are often delays in terms of finding out about issues on the bridge which adds pressure to the team. The new, fully functioning system will be faster, more user friendly and can be updated from the control room at Tay Road Bridge, affording us greater flexibility and control over traffic in the area.”
“As well as benefitting our organisation, we hope to improve the experience of the people of Dundee by significantly improving traffic flow on the bridge. We look forward to working closely with the TWM team to deliver a successful project that will benefit the area for years to come.”
