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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scheme?
The Highways Agency has installed street lighting on the M20/M26 near Wrotham in Kent to help reduce the number of night time incidents at this junction. The works began by October 2008 and were completed by Christmas 2008
What are the hours of working?
Work was programmed to take place up to 24 hours a day.
What is the extent of the scheme?
The extent of the street lighting site (approximately 2.1km in length) is as shown on the scheme location map. Work was undertaken on both carriageways on the M20 and on both entry and exit links on the M26.
How high will the lighting columns be and how far apart will they be spaced?
The columns are 15 metres high and spaced approximately 35 metres apart.
What type of lamp columns will be used?
Verge mounted lighting using unprotected passively safe aluminium columns. This means the lighting columns are energy absorbing and safer if struck by a vehicle. The columns will not require additional protection by safety barriers. An example of a typical cross section view (58KB JPEG) of the lighting layout is attached.
What other options for the installation of lighting were considered?
Two other options for the lighting within this scheme have been considered during a feasibility study undertaken by the Highways Agency Managing Agent. Options considered included the use of;
i. central reserve lighting with reduced height columns mounted on a newly constructed central reserve concrete barrier, and
ii. verge mounted lighting columns protected by safety barrier located at the back of the hardshoulder.
Will you be lighting any of the existing signs?
We have lit four existing signs along the route of the scheme.
What will be the Environmental impact of the scheme?
The lamps are fitted with a full cut-off system (designed to focus the light down onto the motorway), light spillage will be significantly reduced in comparison to traditional lighting. In addition to this, by concentrating light patterns within the highway boundary, this significantly reduces the potential for light pollution outside the boundary fence and within the surrounding area. The lighting columns are specially produced coloured 'Fir Green' to minimise the visual appearance in daylight. The green colouring of the posts will reduce the visual impact of the columns. Two photographs showing a typical modern lighting unit and a more traditional unit are shown in the photographs below.
Did you consider the impact of the scheme on the environment?
The location of the M20/M26 is classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). For this reason the street lighting proposals for this junction were fully assessed and include the submission of an environmental assessment. Consultation was undertaken with relevant key local environmental stakeholders, such as, Natural England, Kent Downs AONB and the Environment Agency.
Where can I get further information?
Our contact details are available on the Contact Information page of this web site.
