BACKGROUND
National Highways is undertaking a major LED Upgrade Programme across its Strategic Road Network to improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and support its Net Zero ambitions. This large-scale project includes critical enhancements such as surge protection and the integration of a Central Management System (CMS) for real-time monitoring and control. National Highways North-West region, including around 5000 lighting columns, was selected to trial the project delivery.
THE BRIEF
The core requirement was to ensure the structural integrity of the existing lighting infrastructure amidst a comprehensive retrofit. David Lodge Lighting was tasked with:
- Structural Assessments: Conducting detailed evaluations of existing lighting columns to determine their suitability for the new LED luminaires and any additional load implications.
- Design Considerations: Recommending necessary modifications or reinforcements, ensuring that the columns could safely integrate surge protection components and CMS gateways.
- Integration Support: Collaborating closely with the National Highways North-West Delivery Team to align the structural modifications with the broader retrofit programme requirements.
Overall, our task was to mitigate risks and ensure that the retrofit not only met modern lighting and safety standards but also enhanced the longevity and reliability of the infrastructure.
THE RESULT
“I am incredibly proud to have been part of the National Highways North West Delivery Team. Through our rigorous structural assessments, we ensured that the existing lighting columns could safely support the new LED luminaires and seamlessly integrate with advanced CMS technology. Being involved in the installation of over 6,000 LED lanterns – while achieving substantial energy and cost savings and enhancing safety – shows our commitment to quality and innovation. This project not only marks one of our largest undertakings to date but also sets a new benchmark for infrastructure upgrades across the network.” David Lodge, Founder, David Lodge Lighting
Our structural assessments contributed to a highly successful phase of the National Highways North West LED Retrofit Programme. The project achieved the installation of 6,308 LED lanterns with integrated CMS control, successfully meeting the ambitious Year 2 target. This milestone, combined with £1,204,000 in annual energy cost savings, has significantly reduced long-term operational expenses and resulted in a 54% reduction in CO₂ emissions per year, aligning with National Highways’ Net Zero goals. The North West region experienced a remarkable 500% increase in output from Year 1 to Year 2, while overall cost efficiencies led to savings of £3.8 million (29%) through optimised installation processes and material usage Moreover, the collaborative approach fostered throughout the project ensured zero safety incidents and customer complaints, and the improved installation lead times minimised delays and reduced road closures.
James Sharp TMIET, Programme Delivery Manager, National Highways commented
“David was contracted into the project as a consultant for his technical expertise and valuable understanding of the structural assessment and requirements for the retrofit project. Without his support and quick turnaround of GN06 assessments to ensure our solution was safe, we would have struggled to achieve our targets. Thanks to David, we met our delivery goals on time, and the project was a great success.”
Principal Designer: Amey
Principal Contractors: Crown Highways & J McCann
Luminaire supplier: Holophane Europe
CMS supplier: Lucy Zodion, Ki
