Traffic congestion on major roads in South Wales is set to ease following the introduction of the latest software technology to co-ordinate road works.  The South Wales Trunk Road Agency (SWTRA) is using special software developed by Gloucestershire IT firm Mayrise Systems to manage inspections, monitor ongoing works and plan for special events.

SWTRA is one of three agencies that manage trunk roads and motorways in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government and is responsible for managing, maintaining and improving more than 600 route kilometres of trunk roads and motorways between the Severn Bridges and Fishguard. The Agency is run by Neath Port-Talbot County Borough Council and operates in alliance with other South and West Wales Local Authorities together with a number of private construction sector partners.

Using Mayrise for Street Works a dedicated administrator compiles all street works notices against the Agency's network gazetteer and collates and updates information within the National Street Gazetteer (NSG). The SWTRA administrator also co-ordinates works with the Agency's Route Stewards and other statutory undertakers. Route Stewards and a team of dedicated Highways Inspectors then carry out all routine and defect inspections and resulting utility works are logged using the Mayrise system.   The Agency is also using a Mayrise solution to develop an integrated asset management database for street lighting and illuminated signs.

"The functionality of MAYRISE for Street Works is immensely helpful in the co-ordination of works as it ensures immediate and effective communication between the route stewards and statutory undertakers," commented Richard Jones, Head of SWTRA. "The system also offers benefits in works co-ordination, compliance with traffic management duty requirements, such as traffic sensitivity and event co-ordination, and ensuring the compatibility of work programmes from differing sources such as utilities, routine maintenance and asset renewal."

In addition to the use of MAYRISE for Street Works for the co-ordination and management of works and other activities on the trunk road and motorway network the Agency is exploring the use of the system to assist with the publication of S58 restrictions (protection from future works for a stated duration) on their website, use of PDA devices to assist with street works inspections and engaging new legislation such as charges for prolonged use of the highway (S74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act amended by the Traffic Management Act) including Fixed Penalty Notices and Permits.