More than 15 miles of motorway roadworks on the M6 are being lit
up using an innovative lighting system developed by a West Midlands
based equipment supply firm.
The LinkLite temporary lighting system has been pioneered by
Maxmax Limited, which has manufacturing and distribution operations
in Dudley and Telford, Shropshire.
Around 1,000 lights have been installed by major contractors
overseeing 24 kilometres of motorway maintenance work between
junctions 13 and 15 of the M6. The work is being undertaken for the
planned roll-out of Managed Motorway schemes on the M6, which will
see the hard shoulder opened up to traffic as an additional
lane.
The Linklite system was developed by Maxmax, following feedback
from customers such as Balfour Beatty and Amey, requiring similar
lighting solutions in the rail industry. It comprises a head,
stand and basket or spike and is now regarded as one of the most
innovative and cost efficient temporary lighting systems in the
UK.
A 3Kva generator can power up to 270 linear metres of lighting,
thereby providing a safe, space-saving and economic method of
illumination. The system has been used in demanding construction,
maintenance and railway operations, but this is the first time it
has been utilised for motorway work. Bam Nuttall and McCann
Construction are among the contractors to opt for it.
Linklite can be purchased or hired and according to Shaun
Redfern, operations director of Maxmax, its success has helped
bolster sales in a difficult economic environment.
"We have secured orders well into six figures and the system is
likely to be used on a further 12 kilometres of works," said Mr
Redfern. "We hold substantial stocks of all products and spares to
ensure fast delivery and prevention of delays for our clients which
is paramount in a motorway project of this kind when any supply
problems would cause extended inconvenience to the motoring
public.
"We are proud to be supplying the lighting requirements for such
an important project and are excited at this breakthrough into the
motorway maintenance sector."