Roadworks relief

A new hi-tech machine from the US, which cuts roadwork congestion, is on trial here with the Highways Agency

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New machine lays temporary barriers in a fraction of the normal time

24th August 2006

The Quickchange Movable Barrier machine lays temporary concrete sections as fast as possible to avoid massive tailbacks and minimise inconvenience for motorists. The vehicle is a huge 4.6 metres wide and weighs 25 tonnes. It moves at a steady 7mph and places a stretch of barrier down in minutes, rather than days. The Highways Agency currently uses a lorry-and-crane set-up to do this kind of work, but that is slow and causes serious disruption on busy roads.

The new unit is being leased at a cost of £1million on a two-year trial in Kent. If all goes well, it could be used across the UK.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, Minister for Road Safety, said: "In 2005, five road workers were killed in the course of their duties on England's motorways and major roads, which makes these routes among the most dangerous environments in the country.

"As well as helping to cut congestion, this new machine will assist in protecting workers and the public on our busiest highways, and enable us to use lanes more efficiently during roadwork programmes."