A series of intelligent flood warning systems specified and installed by SWARCO UK & Ireland, the leading intelligent traffic solution and technology business, is helping to divert drivers away from two areas of Warrington that are prone to flooding during adverse weather.

Both Hawleys Lane in the Dallam area of Warrington, less than two miles from the town centre, and Burford Lane, near Lymm on the outskirts of town, have been affected by flooding on multiple occasions. 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, to reduce the number of incidents caused by flooding. The council turned to SWARCO to provide the solution.

SWARCO has installed an intelligent new system at both Hawleys Lane and Burford Lane that comprises a series of flood detection sensors, LED Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) and inputs to traffic signal controllers. The 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.

Through SWARCO’s smart management platform, 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.

Simon Lawrenson, UTMC Principal Engineer at Warrington Borough Council 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”.

“We understand the significant impact flooding can have on local communities,” says Derek Williamson, Head of Urban Sales at SWARCO UK & Ireland. “The new automated flood warning systems have been designed specifically to meet the needs of Warrington Borough Council and will help to protect drivers and ensure minimal disruption when adverse weather occurs.”

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