Colas boosts night-time safety and efficiency on the M275 with INSTABOOM remote barrier system

Transport infrastructure specialist Colas has deployed the INSTABOOM remote-operated barrier system on the M275, improving safety, reducing labour costs and streamlining night-time closures on one of the UK’s busiest arterial routes.

For more than 25 years, Colas has delivered maintenance on the M275. Six times a year, the route is closed overnight so contractors can carry out inspections, resurfacing, lighting, cleaning and other essential works.

Historically, access was controlled with temporary fencing and on-site personnel — a method that posed safety risks and slowed down operations.

Seeking a safer, more efficient solution, Colas’ traffic management team discovered INSTABOOM at a local industry roadshow and quickly recognised its potential. With remote operation, staff can now manage access at the push of a button, removing the need for operatives to stand outside for hours in cold or hazardous conditions.

“The lads love it,” said Tony White, Street Cleansing Supervisor at Colas.

“Someone comes along, they push a button, it opens, the contractor comes through, and they push it again to close. Couldn’t be simpler. It makes us look more professional, and contractors have been saying, ‘We wish we had one of those.’”

Colas has now used INSTABOOM successfully during two night-time closures, with a third planned shortly. The recent addition of the INSTABOOM Light Kit has further improved visibility and safety during dark working hours. Following the success on the M275, the team is now exploring wider deployment across its regional projects.

Key Benefits for Colas:

• Improved safety - Removes staff from close proximity to live traffic, reducing the risk of accidents or injury.

• Reduced labour costs - No need for dedicated personnel to manage gate access on site for long hours.

• Faster operations - Streamlines contractor entry and exit, keeping projects on schedule.

• Better staff welfare: Minimises exposure to cold, wet or hazardous conditions.

INSTABOOM System Features

• Solar Hybrid Powered - Up to 2-week run time for continuous operation.

• Light Kit (Optional) - Clear visual barrier lights improving visibility.

• Long Range Rugged Fob - 800m range for reliable remote access control.

• Telematics System - Monitor barrier status and battery voltage online in real time.

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“It’s fantastic to see Colas embracing the practical benefits of remote barrier technology,” said Neil Sampson, Managing Director at Solar Gates. “INSTABOOM was designed to make site safety simpler — and this deployment proves exactly that.”