SWARCO VMS used to inform drivers planning their route across new Renfrew Bridge

A series of highly versatile and reliable Variable Messaging Signs supplied and installed by SWARCO UK & Ireland is helping to advise drivers of the latest traffic information and better plan their route across the new Renfrew Bridge that connects Renfrew with Clydebank and Yoker. 

The new bridge, which officially opened Friday 9 May, is part of the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project being led by Renfrewshire Council, designed to open up new work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the River Clyde. In addition to the bridge, the project has also created additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes linking Inchinnan Road in Renfrew with Yoker railway station, using the extended Argyll Avenue. 

As part of the project, leading construction and civil engineering business, GRAHAM, who delivered the project as Principal Contractor, needed to specify and install a digital signage system capable of providing real time information of the bridge’s operational hours, as well as real time information of traffic conditions, diversion routes or any road closures to enable road users to make informed decisions and allow for better journey planning across the bridge. It turned to SWARCO, the leading intelligent traffic solution and technology business, to provide the solution.  

SWARCO UK & Ireland has installed a series of 24 RGB VMS on the approach to Renfrew Bridge at strategic locations either side of the River Clyde across Renfrewshire, Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire, all within a 2.2-mile radius. The intelligent, full colour VMS can be utilised for multiple functions and to display multiple messages, which Renfrewshire Council can remotely manage and update in real time via a dedicated PGS system that has been installed within the bridge’s control room.  The signs also feature SWARCO’s patented lens technology which ensures the lowest power consumption which in turn provides a lower lifetime cost of ownership. 

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson says: “As bridge priority is given to river traffic, it is extremely important that we are able to provide clear and timely updates to road traffic when the bridge will not be available to them. 

“The digital signage is invaluable in giving early notice of any closures, especially with signs being located in a 2.2-mile radius from the bridge, as this allows people to take an alternative route and reduces queuing at the bridge entrances.”

John Pickworth, Managing Director of SWARCO UK & Ireland, says: “We are proud to support GRAHAM and Renfrewshire Council on this prestigious project. By working in close partnership, we were able to fully understand their requirements and successfully design and deliver a smart and reliable digital signage and traffic guidance system that will help provide road users with the latest information and advice to help improve journey planning and ensure smoother traffic flow.”