Vicki Butler-Henderson makes the case for concrete
A DVD which shows the enormous benefits of replacing steel barriers on Britain's motorways with concrete safety barrier has just been released.
Lovers of Channel's 4's Fifth Gear will be delighted to see that the programme is presented by the lovely Vicki Butler-Henderson.
The DVD has been produced by Britpave, the company that first introduced this remarkable technology to Britain, and it clearly shows that the steel barrier we have all got used to seeing on our motorways over the last forty years is no longer suitable for the 21st Century.
David Jones, Director for Britpave says, “This DVD shows all the benefits of concrete over steel and supports the Highways Agency's decision to start a programme of steel replacement in early 2005. We are very keen to see this replacement programme pick up speed over the next two years because we know it will save lives, save money, but most importantly, it will play a major role in reducing congestion on Britain's motorways”.
But it's not just on motorways that concrete step barrier has found favour with road specifiers. Concrete barrier is now being used instead of steel on major trunk roads as well. We would like to think that the added protection afforded to motorists is the major factor here but financial implications have to be taken into account as well. In the last six months alone, a number of councils have now recognised that concrete barrier is a safer alternative but also that it will save them huge amounts of money normally spent on maintenance and repair work. Concrete barrier costs almost nothing to maintain and has a life span of at least fifty years.
Not only are we seeing concrete used on major A-roads but specifiers are using it in increasingly innovative ways.
The A47 between junction 17 and junction 20 now has nearly two miles of concrete safety barrier with a revolutionary design that features the new lighting system built into the top of the concrete.
The A2 in Belfast has had a major upgrade by using a modified version of concrete barrier between the Sydenham Bypass and the Belfast to Bangor railway line. In this instance, new street lighting and an anti-intruder fence have been installed on the top of the solid concrete barrier which will extend from Dee Street to the City Airport exit lane. The £1.7 million project is intended to prevent incursion by vehicles onto the railway line, following a serious accident at Selby in 2001.
David Jones added, “We expect to see a lot more concrete safety barrier being used in the months ahead as specifiers realise, not just the improved safety record of this product, but the massive cash savings that will be made as well”.
Why is Safer Motorways such an avid supporter of this particular government initiative?
Well, unlike most road improvements that are reported on this web site, concrete step barrier is one of the very few that really does tick all of the boxes:
It improves road safety.
It saves lives.
It reduces congestion.
It is cost effective to install.
It requires no maintenance.
It is a proven technology.
It keeps our long-suffering road maintenance crews out of danger.
It reduces oncoming traffic glare.
It reduces rubber-necking.
It is much safer for motorcyclists as well as car and lorry drivers.
And if all of that isn't enough – it lasts for an incredible fifty years.
Enthusiasts of concrete barrier, and of course Vicki Butler-Henderson can watch the video by clicking on the following link:
