Replacing the lighting masts on the M1 around Junction 3 (Scratchwood) not only required extensive traffic management, but the motorway itself runs close to residential suburbs and the open space leisure facilities. Consultants Mouchel Parkman, acting on behalf of Client, the Highways Agency, provided a performance based specification from which WRTL´s i-MasT high mast lighting team managed the lighting design and complete installation of 20 Titan masts, fitted with unique safety head frames and Arc lanterns to ensure tight control of light spillage within the motorway area.
Mouchel Parkman´s Tony Bent commented: “To replace the existing high mast lighting scheme on the M1 Motorway at Scratchwood required periods of night working utilising numerous short-duration slip road closures. This required advanced, accurate programming of the works and extensive dialogue between all parties to ensure the smooth running of the project. The WRTL i-MasT team have actively demonstrated that a partnering arrangement between all parties can work effectively allowing works to be carried out safely with minimal disruption to the travelling public.”
“The i-MasT team also, by taking a participating role in the programming of the works, highlighted potential difficulties utilising their extensive experience enabling the works to be completed on time and with cost certainty. The WRTL i-MasT team has efficiently, and safely, managed the complex installation process of the high mast lighting scheme on the above site and have provided great assistance to ourselves during the investigation, feasibility and design stages of the project when requested.”
Each of the 30m high Titan masts is fitted with 5 Arc lanterns and 400W SON-T lamps, mounted on WRTL´s new Guided Runner and Parachute Braking™ head frames, which ensure safe and easy access by enabling the assembly to be safely lowered to ground, even in wind speeds up to 48 mph, virtually removing dependence on weather conditions for maintenance.
Paul Wandless, WRTL´s i-MasT manager, states: “By providing a complete design, supply, install and commissioning service, from a specialist lighting manufacturer, we can deliver a complete high mast solution; even planned maintenance afterwards. On this project, we had two lighting teams working through the night, with a 35 tonne crane and HY-AB lorry as heavy plant.”
i-MasT offers a comprehensive range of products, services and support from one point of contact, from lighting scheme design, installing completely new projects with unique high mast systems to maintenance of existing facilities to ensure they continue optimum performance. Installation and maintenance call-out services enable clients up and down the UK to operate their critical lighting installations economically and to the highest safety and security standards, including major port authorities, retail parks and motorway operators. i-MasT is staffed by mobile teams of highly experienced engineers, backed by the resources of WRTL, one of the UK´s leaders in exterior lighting.
Technical Notes: The three high mast lighting systems, the Goliath, Titan and Colossus, introduce new levels of safety when compared with conventional systems. The new systems have a wide range of applications but each offers specific features suited to locations such as close proximity to buildings, on major roads, ports and infrastructure and urban environments where aesthetics are important. They are designed for use with WRTL´s four well proven lanterns: Arc, Spacelight, HMLN and Metroflood.
Central to each of the designs is the guided runner system, manufactured in anti-corrosion aluminium, which allows the headframe to be lowered safely even in winds of up to 48 mph. This enables essential maintenance and safety work to be carried out without endangering personnel, the surroundings or the equipment. The design follows Design Guidelines set by the ILE Technical Report No. 7.
The systems use stainless steel wire rope to minimise any chance of rope failure, and a specially designed, self-braking Parachute Braking™ system with a self-lubricating sliding shoe gives the headframe double protection in the event of rope failure. This is designed to prevent the headframe from falling to the ground if the rope breaks or is damaged.
The stylish Arc has specially designed, high performance optics offering excellent uniformity, a key factor in any lighting design. In addition, Arc has double ingress protection with the entire body sealed to IP66 and the optic sealed separately. In order to avoid any potential for a build-up of condensation after lamp heating and cooling, both compartments feature controlled breathing technology (CBT). Safe access to the inside of the body is assisted by an auto-disconnect facility. The aluminium castings utilise WRTL´s long experience in marine lighting where long, corrosion-free life is paramount. In addition, Arc is almost completely recyclable to meet future recycling requirements, making it future proof from this perspective. Arc is also available in a Hazardous Area Zone 2 configuration suitable for applications on and around petrochemical and industrial complexes.
01 September 2005