SwiftGate: The Automated Taper Set to Revolutionise Roadworks Safety
A game-changing device that closes lanes in minutes and keeps road workers safe from oncoming traffic is about to get its UK trial run. The automatic taper, called SwiftGate, could transform roadworks by slashing setup time from 25 minutes to just five.
SwiftGate to Debut at Busy Surrey Tunnel
SwiftGate will be tested at the A3 Hindhead Tunnel in Surrey, where regular closures for essential maintenance put workers’ lives at risk. Last year, there were 14 dangerous vehicle incursions into these roadworks. Traditionally, workers place cones manually to close lanes — a risky, slow process, especially on busy roads and tunnels.
Now, National Highways has partnered with Kier and Highway Care to install SwiftGate on both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the tunnel. The gates automatically filter traffic out of the work lanes, allowing cones to be placed further along with zero danger to staff.
Quicker, Safer, and Smarter Traffic Management
Unlike cones, SwiftGate’s strong visual arms act as a clear deterrent against vehicles straying into closed lanes — especially at night. The system deploys in just 50 seconds, compared to workers spending nearly half an hour under threat from speeding traffic.
“Installing and removing a taper of cones in the face of traffic exposes our road workers to risk, particularly on elevated sections of road, bridges or tunnels,”
said Martin Bolt, Head of Lean and Continuous Improvement at National Highways.
“If successful, SwiftGate is another step to zero live lane working. It frees up workers to focus on other tasks, gets work started quicker, and reduces disruption for motorists.”
Senior Project Manager Mark Sheppard from Kier hailed SwiftGate as a “modern solution” to a “high-risk” problem, while Ben Duncker, Business Development Director at Highway Care, highlighted the benefits for both worker safety and smoother customer journeys.
Part of a Bigger Push Towards Digital Roads
SwiftGate joins other innovations like the Falcon ACLM automated cone-laying machine, which reduces the need for manual cone placement from moving vehicles. Another automated cone system from King Highway Products is also gearing up for testing.
These projects are backed by National Highways’ Innovation and Modernisation Fund, part of their ambitious Digital Roads 2025 vision. This strategy aims to revolutionise how roads are built and managed, paving the way for electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles.
With trials underway, SwiftGate could soon make UK roadworks safer and smoother for workers and drivers alike.
