Roadway TM cut the risk of incursions during night-time full carriageway closures by deploying Intellicone IPAWS, an alarmed site safety system, on schemes in Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
The system protects site teams and drivers during surfacing and associated works by instantly alerting operatives to forced entry at closure points.
Audible alarms warn of forced breaches
Intellicone IPAWS equips closure points with electronic alarms triggered by operatives if barriers are moved or motorists try to enter the closed area. The system emits a 96-decibel audible alarm accompanied by a visual alert.
These warnings deter motorists from entering quarantined sites and notify crews within the closure in real time. Early alerts give workers time to move to designated safe areas, reducing the risk of injury.
Cutting operatives’ exposure on closures
By providing instant alerts, the system lowers the need for fully manned closure points. This removes operatives from potentially confrontational situations while maintaining effective site control.
Local authority schemes benefit especially from the technology’s ability to strengthen roadworker protection in both high- and low-speed environments.
On-site leadership and support
Area Manager Jamie Reardon oversaw the deployments. He described the system as transforming risk management, giving clients critical warnings of attempted incursions.
“That early warning time can genuinely save lives,” Reardon said. Continued work with HRS aims to improve situational awareness for teams further.
Collaboration drives system adoption
HRS provided on-site support, guiding Roadway TM teams through installation and operation to embed the system in site procedures.
Allan Stowe of HRS said the system performs strongly in urban street-work environments common in the West Midlands. IPAWS reduces manned positions and improves operational control in dense, high-demand areas.
Setting higher safety standards
Roadway TM Director Mark Bentley said investing in digital safety systems demonstrates the company’s commitment to continual improvement.
“We embrace innovation that protects people,” Bentley said. Integrating intelligent technology strengthens risk management and raises standards for traffic management delivery.
A milestone for safer schemes
The successful deployments in Wolverhampton and Birmingham mark progress in modernising traffic management to improve safety for workers and the public.
Combining experienced leadership with digital alarms offers a practical step towards safer closures on UK roads.
