National Highways used new technology to protect workers carrying out essential works on a section of the A52 in Nottinghamshire, following threats from the public.
The resurfacing and maintenance work between the Nottingham Road RSPCA junction at Radcliffe on Trent and the Stragglethorpe junction was carried out over 15 nights in March.
National Highways said it worked with contractors, police and the local MP to make sure the scheme went ahead after a previous delay due to safety concerns.
The BBC reported in February that staff were threatened during preparation works last autumn.
Works included resurfacing, litter picking, drainage surveys and repairs, upgrading street lights to more LED and routine maintenance such as grass cutting.
The safety barrier was also renewed, with 1,020 posts and over 110 barrier beams replaced.
The road surface before and after the work was carried out
To protect the workforce against incursions by vehicles or unauthorised people, contractor Amey used a hi-tech warning system which includes motion detection lasers mounted on traffic cones and CCTV devices that set off an alarm to alert teams working within the closure.
There was also a wireless warning button for workers to raise the alarm if they spotted a breach of the work zone and cameras were also in place.
A customer communication terminal on site enabled local people and drivers to get information about the scheme, which helped avoid incursions and meant the team did not need to staff every access.
They were also able to safely manage access for those living within the closures.
National Highways route manager Nick Warren said: ‘This was a shining example of how we can work closely with our partners and supply chain to deliver a swathe of essential maintenance and safety works as quickly as possible and minimising disruption for drivers and the local community.
‘The safety of our workforce carrying out these important works is always our priority and we welcome any innovations, such as the technology utilised on this scheme, which will help to keep them safe.’
