M6 lifesavers added to notorious stretch – and most drivers won’t notice the difference
A notorious stretch of the M6[1] has had thousands of solar-powered studs added to it that will save lives and improve the driving experience for motorists. The run between junctions 12 to 13 has long been a headache for drivers, with poor visibility and a high number of accidents.
The section of the motorway, which cuts through Staffordshire[2], was not well lit and suffered from a significant number of sideswipe accidents, where the side of one vehicle hits, scrapes, or makes contact with the side of another. Now a total of 5,860 solar-powered studs have been installed by National Highways.
The studs use high brightness LEDs to provide visibility, rather than reflection from vehicle headlights. Highways bosses said the studs, installed before Christmas[3], would make a "real difference" to drivers.
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The new M6 solar studs provide:
- Ten times better visibility than traditional reflective studs, of up to 900 metres.
- Significantly increased driver reaction times
- Ten nights’ operation on three hours of bright daylight
- A clear indication of lanes and junctions in all weather, enhancing driver confidence
A notorious stretch of the M6 has had thousands of studs added to it that will save lives and improve the driving experience for motorists (Image: National Highways West Midlands)
National Highways project manager, Chris Carter, said: “Safety is our number one priority. The work we’ve carried out on this unlit section of the M6 will make a real difference to motorists, improving visibility and providing safer and smoother journeys.
“The new solar-powered studs are more durable than standard road studs and require less maintenance, meaning less disruption in the long term thanks to fewer roadworks. This work will ensure the road remains safe for years to come.”
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References
- ^ of the M6 (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Staffordshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Christmas (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
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