Highways Agency

The Project

Work is complete (with the exception of some minor snagging works) on this £18.5 million communications upgrade project -

Phase 1 - £8.4 million between Junctions 9 - 10 of the M40, which commenced in spring 2006, around Bicester and was substantially completed in January 2007. An additional element included 2 Electronic signs being installed on the verge of the northbound carriageway on the A34 half a mile and one mile prior to the M40 Junction 9 roundabout.

Phase 2 - £10.1 million between Junctions 10 - 11 of the M40 from Bicester to South of Banbury was substantially completed in December 2007. An additional element included 2 Electronic signs being installed on the verge of the southbound carriageway on the A43 half a mile and one mile prior to the Baynards Green Roundabout/ M40 Junction 10.

New variable message signs have been installed which will provide drivers with better information about incidents and conditions on the road ahead. The signs are connected to a new incident detection system and will identify queuing traffic and automatically activate signals to warn approaching vehicles of slow moving or stationary traffic. Drivers will be able to slow down in time, reducing further incidents, and consider alternative routes which will help cut congestion. Similar schemes in the UK have reduced the number of secondary injury accidents by 13 per cent.

The construction was carried out by Carillion Highway Maintenance & supervised by WSP Group.

The Benefits

In summary, the benefits of this scheme include:

• Creating more reliable journeys
• Improving road safety
• Reducing congestion

For more information about the variable message signs please go to the Highways Agency online Knowledge Centre.