A2/M2 Connected Corridor
The challenge
Connecting vehicles to each other and roadside devices can provide road users with reliable, real time information making journeys more reliable and safer. The A2/M2 Connected Corridor project provides a test bed through which vehicles and roadside infrastructure can communicate. It is part of InterCor, an EU project that aims to test vehicle communications services across borders, connecting the UK to the Netherlands, France and Belgium.
What we did
4way provided Project Management and Service Leadership to Costain for the delivery of the C-ITS systems solution which is an integral component of this innovative Test Bed. System development was delivered through Agile project management utilising Jira to ensure key stakeholders (including National Highways, DfT, TfL and Kent County Council) retained the ability to influence Agile cycles and product development.
Our results
We managed various aspects of the technical programme to ensure timely delivery of an integrated C-ITS test bed using G5 and Cellular communications infrastructure, on board units and human machine interfaces (HMIs), data exchange processing and the cloud. Key successes included a trial of GLOSA and the hosting of international Test-Fest events at which innovative international suppliers were able to test their C-ITS products in a real world CAV environment.
Project Scope
- Project Management
- Service Leadership
- Stakeholder planning and engagement
For more information about this project please contact either John Westwood , Craig Clift or Jonathan Goddard at info@4wayconsulting.com
Operational Tunnel Control Systems Migration
The challenge
A change in National Highways regional maintenance contracts meant that operational control for Southwick and Roundhill Tunnels would migrate from a supplier’s depot in Kent to the South-East Regional Operations Centre (SEROC) at Godstone in Surrey.
What we did
4way undertook surveys of existing equipment and delivered detailed designs which would facilitate the operational migration to SEROC. We engaged a robust systems supply chain and implemented new highly resilient communications links between the tunnels and SEROC. 4way designed and implemented the control room desk solution and supported colleagues responsible for the training of control room operators.
Our results
The migration of the tunnel control system was completed in advance of the programmed delivery date and within the agreed budget. Handover to operations (including maintainers) was successful and there was no interruption to the safe operation of both tunnels.
Project scope
- Project management
- Operational requirements
- Site surveys
- Capacity assessments
- Risk identification / analysis
- Feasibility review
- Strategy development
- Cyber assurance
- Supplier and services procurement
- Stakeholder planning and engagement
- Acceptance testing
- Handover to operations
To learn more about this project please contact Hardip Dhanda, or John Westwood or Chris Ellison at info@4wayconsulting.com
HGV Junction Priority for Air Quality Improvements
The challenge
HGV idling time at a busy road junction in Nottinghamshire was identified by our client as one of the key problems causing poor air quality measurements. A technology based solution was required to address the problem so that air quality levels could be returned to acceptable levels.
What we did
4way undertook research to identify a range of technical solutions that would help to solve the issue of idling HGV traffic. We engaged with equipment suppliers and reviewed test results before defining the optimal solution design which connected advanced detector cards to MOVA loops so that they performed as selective vehicle detection loops. The solution enabled vehicle classification functionality so that HGVs approaching the junction were given enhanced priority.
4way acted as the clients representative on site throughout the implementation and configuration phase to ensure the system performed as intended. This included site acceptance testing during which we trialled three operational scenarios in order to validate our detailed design.
Our results
Our detector based solution used shorter, fixed priority extension times which reduced the volume of HGVs stopping at the junction. We also proved the solution for bus prioritisation in order to further reduce harmful vehicle emissions and return local air quality to acceptable levels.
Project Scope
- Technology solution research & design
- Traffic signal control strategy
- Testing & assurance
- Clients representative
- Equipment supplier engagement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Trial management
To learn more detail about this project please contact Craig Clift, Chris Ellison or Jason McNulty at info@4wayconsulting.com
LED Lighting Design & Implementation
The challenge
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) possess the largest Local Authority lighting stock outside of London. In 2015 they embarked on an ambitious programme of LED lighting renewals that would maintain existing lighting levels across the County whilst making positive contributions to energy cost and carbon savings.
What we did
4way supported Ringway and HCC in the development of their business case for the upgrade of their traditional lighting stock to LED technology with a Centralised Management System (CMS). In parallel we developed the HCC Street Lighting Guide and specification for LED implementation.
On approval of the business case, 4way then took responsibility for the delivery of street lighting designs for 140,000 lighting units which were installed across the County as part of a 5 year rolling programme.
Our results
4way designs were completed in batches across the 5 year period to ensure continuity of the implementation programme. Final installations were completed in early 2021.
The LED lanterns have helped to deliver the intended carbon and energy cost reductions with CMS functionality (such as dimming, trimming, etc) providing the capability to further optimise the performance of the asset in future years.
Project scope
- Street lighting and CMS design
- Lighting level calculations
- Power design
- Business case
- Authoring guidance documentation
- Managing departures from standards
- Visual surveys
- Assessment of structural surveys
- Authoring tender specifications
- Procurement support
- Stakeholder liaison
- CMS trials
To learn more about this project please contact John Westwood, Jason McNulty or Chris Ellison at info@4wayconsulting.com
Midlands Metro Alliance
The challenge
Construction of the Edgbaston extension of the Birmingham Metro necessitated the closure of the Five Ways underpass. The impacts of this closure were likely to create significant congestion on the local road network. 4way were challenged to identify mitigation measures through amendments to local traffic signals settings which would minimise these impacts whilst construction work took place.
What we did
We undertook traffic signal design and traffic signal control strategy validation at Five Ways Roundabout and other local junctions.LinSig modelling was undertaken to inform the client which priority junctions could be converted to temporary traffic signal control using semi-permanent traffic signals, compliant with the TOPAS 2500 specification.
During implementation our validation team liaised frequently with Birmingham City Council Urban Traffic Control and the Transport for West Midlands Regional Transport Co-ordination Centre, providing hourly updates during peak periods regarding traffic conditions and changes made to the traffic signal timings.
Our results
Real time communication from site to control rooms enabled all parties to identify operational risks and rapidly mitigate them to maintain traffic flows. Significantly less congestion was experienced than initially anticipated and adverse reaction in the local press was avoided.
Project scope
- LinSig modelling
- Traffic signal detailed design
- Traffic signal control strategy validation
- Equipment supplier engagement
- Stakeholder engagement
- On site MOVA and VA validation team
To learn more about this project please contact Jonathan Goddard, Jason McNulty or Hardip Dhanda at info@4wayconsulting.com
Smart Motorway Design & Implementation
The challenge
Established in 2010, 4way sought to bolster the smart motorway supply chain and enhance technology engineering solutions for clients and road users alike. Our Management Team drew on wide ranging experience from the delivery of the M42 Active Traffic Management project and subsequent smart motorway projects around Birmingham and West Yorkshire to define an alternative model for the delivery of specialist technology support.
What we did
Since 2010 4way has grown sustainably through repeat smart motorways business. Our range of services has steadily expanded and our ability to deliver them in an agile manner (to suit the variable needs of our wide ranging client base) is unparalleled. This includes individual specialist secondments through to fully outsourced teams, all delivered in a spirit of openness and trust.
Our results
There are very few smart motorway clients 4way has not collaborated with or schemes on which it has not worked. We have delivered Digitally Enabled Design services on 13 schemes and On-site Assembly and Delivery services on 21. In total we have contributed to the delivery of 25 individual smart motorway schemes and remain active on several of them.
Project Scope
- Digital engineering / BIM
- Technology infrastructure design
- Design integration
- Operations & safety consultancy
- Stakeholder & customer engagement
- NRTS liaison
- NEC supervision
- Technology Integration Manager
- Independent quality verification
- ROC operational support
- Operations commissioning & handover
To learn more about this project please contact Jonathan Goddard, Jason McNulty, Hardip Dhanda or Craig Clift at info@4wayconsulting.com
M621 J1-7 Improvements Scheme
The challenge
The M621 is a predominantly urban motorway serving Leeds city centre. It has a variable road configuration and closely spaced junctions. As part of the National Highways Road Investment Strategy, the J1-7 Improvements Scheme aims to alleviate congestion to improve local and strategic access around Leeds.
What we did
A major part of the Scheme is the introduction of operational technology including MIDAS, enhanced CCTV, variable signs and signals, stopped vehicle detection, speed enforcement etc. 4way undertook site surveys of existing assets and proposed new asset locations by applying our expertise of national design standards to this complex scheme. We produced and negotiated many departures from standards, technical notes and papers to progress the design whilst liaising regularly with key stakeholders and technology equipment providers. 4way also compiled the Scheme Hazard Log, undertook other risk assessments and completed documentation necessary to progress successfully through National Highways project governance stage gates.
Our results
4way presented the design proposals to several technology and operational safety stakeholder groups to gain endorsement and maintain progress in accordance with the overall programme. The design stage is due for completion in summer 2022 with construction scheduled to commence later in the year.
Project scope
- Technology design and specification
- Operations and safety governance
- Stakeholder liaison
- Departures from standards
- Technical notes and papers
- Risk identification / analysis
- 3D BIM model
- Power distribution design
- Site surveys
- Application of design standards
For more information about this project please contact info@4wayconsulting.com
Operational Technology Cost Modelling
The challenge
National Highways wished to review and update their cost estimating models and base data for both Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX). Whilst a framework had been produced previously for highways civils and structures based works/assets, there was limited cost intelligence regarding operational technology assets.
What we did
4way specialists defined the relevant operational technology assets and the annual operational and maintenance requirements for each (including the typical reactive, planned maintenance frequencies and renewal requirements). This enabled us to generate accurate maintenance activity cost data for parametric mapping against each asset type. 4way also produced an operational technology scheme questionnaire framework. This included outcome based assumptions for various scheme types and contained granular capital cost data so that programme level cost estimations could be compiled for future major projects.
Our results
The information produced has enabled National Highways to develop a more informed understanding of the procurement, implementation and whole life costs of operational technology assets. This improved understanding creates greater control and improved cost predictability, directly contributing to the delivery of efficiency savings across projects and programmes. We are currently supporting National Highways in their journey to Net Zero by adding through life carbon emissions as a feature of the cost model.
Project scope
- Operational Technology
- Design
- Dost data analysis
- Cost consultancy
- Cost modelling
- Through life cost estimation
- Carbon reduction
- Net Zero
For more information about this project please contact info@4wayconsulting.com
Optimised ITS & Lighting for the Isle of Wight
The challenge
The PFI Highways Contract for the Isle of White commenced in 2013. A core requirement was to renew, operate and maintain powered apparatus and control systems for the following 25 years. A sustainable operational solution was therefore required which encompassed a wide range of assets from street-lights to traffic signals.
What we did
4way supported Ringway by developing a whole life asset cost model at tender stage which was successfully utilised when explaining our proposed solutions during competitive dialogue. 4way was subsequently engaged as Designer and Integrator for all powered apparatus (including LED Street Lighting, LED Traffic signals and signage, digital CCTV systems, central management system for street lighting, UTMC integration of various sensors and control devices) whilst also supporting the assurance of construction works.
Our results
4way delivered cloud based digital solutions which enable smart control and monitoring from a local control centre. This includes a sustainable, energy efficient highways traffic management and lighting system which continues to deliver benefits for Island residents and visitors.
Project scope
- Technical Advisor
- Asset Management
- Design, Assurance
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Consultation
- Integration management
For more information about this project please contact info@4wayconsulting.com
Smart Roads Design Assurance
The challenge
The M1 J13-16 Smart Motorway scheme presented specific challenges caused by narrow verges and the space required for technology infrastructure. This necessitated amendments to the detailed design whilst the scheme was in construction. 4way were tasked with identifying innovative solutions to create the space needed on site by reducing the scope of earthworks and retaining solutions.
What we did
We collaborated with suppliers and sub-contractors to design buildable solutions which facilitated the installation of operational technology infrastructure at locations where verge space was tightly constrained. This included;
- A new combined power and communications cabinet solution (including internal power design) which reduced the quantity of cabinets installed on the scheme.
- Inline configuration of cabinet and chamber site layouts to reduce the scope of earthworks and retaining solutions.
- A grillage mounted cabinet / chamber and method for routing ducts from the verge up to helical piled gantries.
- A continuous coiled duct solution to enable the installation of longitudinal ducting.
Our results
Our innovative approach to cabinet / chamber configurations, helical piled gantries and coiled ducting helped to mitigate the risk of programme delays caused by narrow verges. Cabinets were delivered to site pre-fitted with power distribution units. This approach removed the requirement for secondary site visits by electrical engineers, reducing the risk exposure to road workers and accelerating the commissioning programme. In total, cabinet quantities across the scheme were reduced by 50%.
Project scope
- Detailed design
- Design assurance
- Value engineering
- Innovation, collaboration
- Risk mitigation
- Road worker safety
- Off-site assembly
For more information about this project please contact info@4wayconsulting.com