WRTL ARC lights up route to the southwest

The latest section of M7, opened by Irish Minister for Transport was completed a year ahead of schedule, and was lit by Arc highway lanterns from WRTL Exterior Lighting.

The M7 project has been described as creating new opportunities for the Southwest and the Midlands of Ireland by improving the infrastructure and communications for industry and agriculture with Dublin Port.

The latest 17.5km section from Port Laoise to Kildare, opened by Irish Minister for Transport Mr Martin Cullen MP in November 2004, was completed a year ahead of schedule, and was lit by Arc highway lanterns from WRTL Exterior Lighting.

The lighting scheme for the 2 lane motorway comprised over 160 Arc lanterns, equipped with 400W SON-T lamps for the main carriageway and 250W and 150W for the slip roads and the two interchanges.

A particular feature for the main carriageway was the tight control of light distribution with the use of flat glass to minimise sideways light spillage and light pollution.

The columns were installed on the hard shoulders.

Michael Perse, Public Lighting Manager of ESB Contracts which installed the highway lighting commented: " Arc provides the excellent technical performance we require at a competitive price".

"We needed a good light cut off for local environmental considerations".

"Arc also enabled us to specify flat glass and a few lanterns with curved bowls to complement the lighting on incoming roads at the interchanges.

WRTL's stylish Arc has specially designed, high performance optics offering excellent uniformity, a key factor in any lighting design.

In addition, Arc has double ingress protection with the entire body sealed to IP66 and the optic sealed separately.

In order to avoid any potential for a build-up of condensation after lamp heating and cooling, both compartments feature controlled breathing technology (CBT).

Safe access to the inside of the body is assisted by an auto-disconnect facility.

Arc's aluminium castings utilise WRTL's long experience in marine lighting where long, corrosion-free life is paramount.

In addition, Arc is almost completely recyclable to meet future recycling requirements, making it future proof from this perspective.

Zone 2 Arc is also available, fully BASEEFA Ex'n' Certificated for ATEX Zone 2 and 22 hazardous area operation.

The lighting installation was managed by ESB Contracts, part of the Electricity Supply Board Group, and Ireland's largest public lighting contractor.

The M7 project was co-founded by the National Roads Authority, under the auspices of the Department of Transport, the National Development Plan and through the EU Regional Development Fund.

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