Lighting the Way at France’s Largest Toll Plaza with Cutting-Edge LED Technology
The A7 motorway, famously known as the “Autoroute du Soleil,” is more than just a scenic route connecting Lyon to Marseille.
It’s a lifeline for millions of travellers navigating the heart of France’s road network. At its core lies the Vienne-Reventin toll plaza, western Europe’s largest, serving as a critical node on this bustling highway.
Recently, this iconic infrastructure underwent a transformative lighting upgrade, spearheaded by CU Phosco and French distributor LEDENCO, to embrace energy efficiency, sustainability, and driver safety.
Redefining Lighting Standards on the A7
ASF (Autoroutes Sud de la France), a subsidiary of Vinci Autoroutes and the operator of the A7 motorway, recognised the pressing need to modernise the Vienne-Reventin toll plaza’s lighting system. The goal? To replace outdated high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights with innovative LED technology that not only meets stringent operational requirements but also aligns with modern environmental standards.
The upgrade focused on addressing multiple challenges:
- Enhancing visibility and safety for motorists while minimising glare.
- Reducing energy consumption and associated costs.
- Preserving the aesthetic and ecological integrity of the surrounding area, including nearby residential zones and the picturesque landscape of vineyards and lavender fields.
A Collaborative Effort: CU Phosco and LEDENCO
CU Phosco, the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor lighting equipment, partnered with LEDENCO to deliver a bespoke solution tailored to ASF’s needs. The project’s centrepiece was the installation of high mast LED floodlights designed to achieve precise light distribution while significantly reducing glare and light pollution.
The installation included:
- 67 FL810-1 high mast floodlights: Renowned for their low-glare design and advanced optics.
- 4 FL810-2 high mast floodlights: Providing enhanced illumination for critical areas.
- 9 FL800R-1 high mast floodlights: Ensuring uniform coverage across the toll plaza.
Innovation Meets Sustainability
The FL810 high mast floodlight was a standout choice for this project, thanks to its fully cowled, full-cut-off design with an integrated front visor. These features ensure that unwanted light spill is effectively controlled, making it a dark-sky-friendly option that minimises environmental impact. Moreover, the luminaires’ advanced optics deliver uniform light levels across critical areas, enhancing operational efficiency and safety for toll operators and drivers alike.
Local contractor REEL Méditerranée carried out the installation, ensuring seamless integration of the new system without disrupting daily operations. The results were impressive: a lighting system that not only met but exceeded project specifications, balancing functionality with environmental stewardship.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
One of the project’s primary challenges was mitigating light pollution, particularly in residential areas near the toll plaza. The FL810’s design tackled this issue head-on, ensuring bright and safe illumination without intrusive light spill. This approach aligns with ASF’s commitment to reducing the ecological footprint of its operations while enhancing the overall driving experience.
Christophe Liffraid, President of LEDENCO, lauded the collaboration: “Working with CU Phosco is always a positive experience. They go beyond providing lighting products to ensure the most suitable solution for our clients. CU Phosco’s commitment to high standards, minimising environmental impact, and state-of-the-art optics perfectly aligns with our values, making every partnership successful.”
CU Phosco: Lighting the World
CU Phosco is no stranger to innovation. As the largest UK designer and manufacturer of outdoor lighting equipment, the company boasts an impressive portfolio of products, including:
- Street lighting columns and luminaires.
- High mast floodlights.
- LED lighting solutions.
- Wind turbine towers and monopoles.
- Mobile telecom poles and sports lighting systems.
The company’s Contract Services division complements its manufacturing capabilities by installing and maintaining complex lighting systems, ensuring long-term value for clients globally.
The Bigger Picture: ASF’s Vision for Sustainability
ASF’s decision to upgrade the Vienne-Reventin toll plaza is part of a broader initiative to improve energy efficiency and sustainability across its network. By transitioning to LED technology, the company not only reduces operational costs but also sets a benchmark for environmentally conscious infrastructure development.
The project exemplifies how public and private entities can collaborate to achieve innovative solutions that prioritise safety, sustainability, and efficiency. The successful implementation at Vienne-Reventin paves the way for similar upgrades across the ASF network, reinforcing its position as a leader in highway operations.
Lighting the Path Forward
The lighting upgrade at the Vienne-Reventin toll plaza stands as a shining example of how cutting-edge technology can transform infrastructure for the better. By addressing the needs of drivers, local communities, and the environment, ASF, CU Phosco, and LEDENCO have demonstrated the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress.
This project isn’t just about lighting a road—it’s about lighting the way towards a more sustainable and efficient future. As CU Phosco continues to innovate, and ASF strengthens its commitment to sustainability, the benefits will ripple far beyond the A7 motorway, inspiring infrastructure projects worldwide.
