Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

Each year in Germany, up to 80 accidents are caused by drivers on the wrong side of the road, of which many are on- and off-ramps to a main highway. To prevent this, a pilot test has been devised to alert drivers to their wrong-way direction. Cold plastic, one-sided rumble strips are being installed on the road surface within a 100cm-wide by 2cm-deep recessed groove across the lane. The specially shaped cold plastic coating with an uneven, rough bulge gives drivers a strong tactile and acoustic signal, aler

In Sweden crash testing has been carried out using motorcycles for the first time. Four crash tests were carried out at the VTI crash laboratory in Linköping, Sweden, for the client, the insurance company Folksam. As a result, Swedish motorcyclists can expect safer barriers according to VTI, the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Insitute. The VTI have participated in two different projects with focus on better safety for motorcyclists. The first project was run in cooperation with the Swedish Mo

Tata Construction Products is a major player in the European road protection market and aims to boost its share of business - Mike Woof writes. Part of the massive Tata Group, Tata Construction Products is a major player in Europe’s business segment for steel guard rails. Rodney Rice, marketing manager, Tata Steel Construction Products, said, “Our market is predominantly Europe.”

A pilot programme to develop safer roads is being planned for India’s capital Delhi. The Indian Government is developing the programme which will see 10 roads in Delhi being redesigned in a bid to boost road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users. Once the eight month pilot programme has been completed, the aim is to introduce similar measures right across the city. In all the city-wide road revamp for Delhi will cost some US$772.14 million and will involve improving around 1,200km of roads. The aim

The world’s best road infrastructure project can also have the world’s worst traffic noise problem. But where to start defeating this noise pollution? Road traffic noise is one of the most obvious aspects affecting the quality of life in urban areas. To combat this, local, national and international authorities have developed initiatives to avoid, prevent or reduce exposure to noise. One of these initiatives – Life DYNAMAP – is underway by a group of researchers in Germany, Spain and Italy. The project is f

In a bid to boost safety in the US state of Oklahoma, new road/rail crossings are to be constructed. A budget of US$100 million has been set for the work to improve 300 of the crossings. There has been concern at the high number of crashes at these crossings, when drivers attempt to cross in front of a train and inevitably, with serious consequences for any vehicle occupants. At present many of the crossings are simply marked with signs. However the upgrades will include the installation of concrete crossin

A report by the United Kingdom’s Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Foundation found that 1,775 people were killed and 22,807 hurt on British roads last year. The increase has been attributed to the scrapping of casualty reduction targets for local councils and a cut in funding for road infrastructure safety improvements. The report also cited in-car technology, such as satellite navigation systems – sat-navs - and infotainment systems, as a factor

Tests carried out by VTI, the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, involving motorcycles and crash barriers have shown that a plastic covering on the sharp edge at the top of the barrier can help save the lives of motorcyclists.

Airport markings play an important role in providing guidance to pilots when an aircraft is coming in to land or taxiing, as well as for guiding ground vehicles. Ensuring these markings are in good condition is crucial for safety and requires an effective maintenance strategy by the airport. The quality of the signs and markings regulating traffic at an airport can optimise operating efficiency as well as safety. The visibility of signs, especially night visibility, should meet the requirements of the relev