Warrington Borough Council has installed intelligent flood warning systems to help divert drivers away from two areas of Warrington that are prone to flooding during adverse weather.
The flood warning systems were installed by intelligent traffic solution and technology business Swarco UK & Ireland and comprise an array of flood detection sensors.
The systems include LED Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) and inputs to traffic signal controllers, all installed on Hawleys Lane in the Dallam area of Warrington and Burford Lane, near Lymm on the outskirts of town.
In January, flooding caused Hawleys Lane to be closed for a number of days with floods of water sitting beneath the bridge.
Despite having flood warning signs installed across the town, Warrington Borough Council needed a more comprehensive and integrated system, providing clearer information to drivers in a more timely manner.
The new detection sensors detect when surface water levels rise and activate the signs to clearly display flood warning messages, but also sets the traffic signals to red to indicate the road is closed.
The signal controllers are connected to a control and communications outstation, designed and installed by Swarco, which is located near both sites and at height to avoid flood damage to the components.
Warrington Borough Council can remotely monitor and manage both flood warning systems from anywhere at any time, with push notifications sent directly to smartphones or other devices when flooding occurs.
UTMC principal engineer at Warrington Borough Council, Simon Lawrenson, said: “Incidents of flooding are on the increase and the introduction of the Swarco automated flood warning system, at two ‘hot spots’ in the borough, has enabled us to mitigate the risks to both people and property by discouraging motorists from driving through flood water.
“The system automatically illuminates flood warning signs in the vicinity of each location, activates traffic signals to ‘All Red’ and posts the incident to the wider community via social media.”
Achievements and innovations in safe transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
