In urban settings where traffic volumes are high and pedestrian activity is constant, ensuring smooth traffic flow while maintaining safety can be a complex challenge.
To address this, Roadway Traffic Management (Roadway TM) has integrated the TGS Metro System at a busy junction in Grantham – an upgrade designed with the needs of both drivers and pedestrians in mind. This installation is an important step in improving traffic control and demonstrates Roadway TM’s commitment to public ease and safety.
Tackling Traffic and Pedestrian Challenges
The Grantham junction sees considerable daily traffic with heavy vehicle flow intersecting with high pedestrian usage, which can create congestion and delays. Balancing these demands calls for a dynamic traffic management approach, and that’s where the TGS Metro System comes in.
The system is designed to adjust and adapt in real-time, allowing for smoother vehicle flows while ensuring that pedestrians can safely use crossings during designated signal phases. By implementing this advanced traffic management solution, Roadway TM is directly addressing the unique challenges of a busy mixed-traffic environment.
How It Works…
At its core, the TGS Metro System is an adaptive traffic signal control system that optimises traffic flow through real-time adjustments. Unlike traditional traffic lights that follow pre-set timings, the Metro system analyses real-time data and modifies signal patterns as needed. This responsive design is ideal for locations like the Grantham junction, where fluctuations in vehicle and pedestrian volumes demand flexible control.
When traffic builds up, the Metro system adjusts to provide additional green-light time for vehicles, reducing congestion and minimising stop-and-go conditions that can lead to frustration and increased emissions.
Conversely, when pedestrian demand rises, the system adapts to prioritise safe crossings, allowing individuals to cross confidently within dedicated phases. This balancing act ensures that both drivers and pedestrians experience a safer and more efficient journey.
Enhancing Public Safety
For Roadway TM, public safety is always the top priority. An approach mirrored by Taylor Woodrow – the principal contractor on the scheme.
The integration of the Metro system enhances safety by reducing the risks associated with crowded junctions and improving visibility and predictability for all road users. By managing the movement of vehicles and pedestrians more effectively, the system minimises potential conflicts and enhances the sense of safety at this busy location.
Craig Butterfield, Director at Roadway TM, commented on the installation, saying:
“The Metro system has allowed us to make a real difference in Grantham. It’s all about making sure that everyone, from the drivers commuting through to the pedestrians using these crossings, feels safe and that traffic can flow as efficiently as possible. We, along with Taylor Woodrow, are committed to using advanced technology to meet the needs of the communities we collaborate to serve.”
Committing to Innovation
The Grantham project reflects Roadway TM’s larger commitment to innovation in traffic management. By continuously investing in the latest technology, such as the TGS Metro System, Roadway TM aims to make UK roads safer and more efficient for everyone.
