Case Study: Using High Performance Markings to Improve Safety

When National Highways set out to improve safety and visibility on an unlit stretch of the A1 near Newark, they worked with their supply chain partner, WJ Group, to review solutions that would raise performance standards and reduce long-term maintenance needs. Working closely with 3M, WJ introduced an innovative option and delivered the first major installation of Stamark A380 ESD permanent road marking tape on the UK strategic road network.

Meeting a Safety Challenge on a Key Route

The A1, also known as the Great North Road, serves as a vital route connecting the north and south of England. A twenty-mile section between Apleyhead and Newark-on-Trent carries high volumes of traffic but has minimal overhead lighting. During darkness, rain and spray, this reduces visibility and increases risk for road users.

National Highways were already planning the resurfacing of both carriageways, which presented an opportunity to introduce a higher-performing, longer-lasting road marking system capable of improving safety, raising performance standards and reducing future maintenance.

This was not a like-for-like refresh. On an unlit, high-speed corridor, road markings are a primary source of driver guidance, so the scheme needed to improve lane and edge line visibility in the highest-risk operating conditions, including wet-night driving.

Gabriella Stone, National Highways East Midlands Project Manager, explained:

“Having bright white lines really enhances the safety aspects of the scheme. A lot of the A1 is an unlit section of road, so enhanced visibility is crucial for drivers.”

Innovation Through Early Collaboration

WJ Group has a long history of bringing new technologies to the UK network. When National Highways approached WJ to explore innovative options, the team recognised that 3M’s permanent tape solution would meet the specified performance and durability requirements.

WJ, National Highways and 3M worked collaboratively from the earliest stages of the project to evaluate options and confirm suitability for the route. This early engagement allowed the team to consider the route risk, resurfacing programme, wet-night visibility requirements and whole-life value before finalising the solution.

Why Stamark A380 ESD Was Selected

Stamark A380 ESD is a high-performance, durable road marking tape designed to deliver consistent visibility in both dry and wet conditions. Its structured Type 2 profile uses ceramic beads and anti-skid particles within a durable topcoat, helping to protect the optics and present a reflective face to traffic.

To support the decision, the product offered a strong technical performance case. Stamark A380 ESD is a structured Type 2 road marking designed to improve delineation in both dry and wet-night conditions. Site information shows that retroreflectivity above 500 mcd/m²/lx is achievable, with demonstrated levels towards 1000 mcd/m²/lx. Its durable construction also means the marking can retain minimum dry and wet reflective performance for six to eight years, helping reduce the need for repeat interventions on the network.

This was particularly important on the A1, where the route is largely unlit and drivers rely heavily on road markings for lane guidance, especially during darkness, rain and spray. By selecting a product with high initial visibility and strong retained performance, the scheme delivered an immediate improvement for road users while also supporting longer-term whole-life value.

Andy Fish, 3M Application Engineer Specialist, described the benefits:

“The A380 is a high performance and highly durable road marking. It benefits from high quality ceramic beads that provide excellent optical performance day and night. Its durability is where it really excels. Over time it will outperform many other current markings and significantly reduce the amount of interventions required on the road.”

John Pollard, National Highways Road Marking Category Manager, added:

“It is important we keep looking at more durable products as we drive up standards on the network. More durable products help us reduce site visits, which lowers costs and carbon emissions and reduces disruption for our customers.”

These advantages aligned directly with National Highways’ three imperatives of Safety, Customer and Delivery.

Delivering the First Installation of Its Kind

The installation was completed in two phases to align with resurfacing works. The project marked the first use of permanent road marking tape on the strategic road network in the UK and provided an immediate improvement in visibility for drivers.

By coordinating the installation with the resurfacing programme, the team avoided the need for a separate future closure. This protected the planned programme, reduced avoidable disruption and supported smoother, more reliable journeys along an important strategic route.

Martin Webb, WJ Group Innovation Director, said:

“We’re always looking to deliver the right product for the right applications for our clients. This project demonstrates the value of early engagement, and how by working together we can explore different solutions for various challenges so that we deliver the highest levels of value for our clients and the road users.”

A Model for Future Safety Enhancements

Following the success of the scheme, National Highways is considering how similar solutions could be used across other parts of the network.

Gabriella Stone concluded:

“The A1 was a great success. We brought innovation to the scheme that has benefitted our customers, and it is something we hope to use across the wider network in the future.”

The project stands as a strong example of what can be achieved when expertise and innovation come together to solve real-world challenges on the UK’s roads. It also provides a replicable approach for other unlit, high-speed sections where wet-night visibility, reduced roadworker exposure and long-life performance are needed.

See the project:

https://youtu.be/NFcLMbpT9fY?si=JPFzTvZyAajlmnvF

ABOUT WJ GROUP

WJ Group is the UK’s leading and most trusted road marking and highway safety business, supporting strategic road networks, local authority, and off-highway markets by providing solutions that create safe, sustainable journeys for everyone. The company operates with integrity based on four core values of safety, delivery, innovation, and community.

WJ Group was founded in 1987 as a small, local road marking company. Initially specialising in temporary road markings, this kickstarted a long period of organic growth that saw the company expand across the UK and make a series of strategic acquisitions. Nearly 40 years on, WJ is the UK’s leading and most trusted road safety marking contractor and has grown its offering to deliver a wide range of highway safety services and solutions.

CIHT Statement

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the CIHT or its members. Neither the CIHT nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein