Evo-Chev Installation on the A12/A130, Essex
In September 2023, TMP were approached by Essex Highways to explore alternatives to traditional plate-and-post chevrons at a busy double roundabout where the A12 intersects with the A130 near Chelmsford.
The existing setup used standard black-and-white chevrons fixed to steel posts, with separate lighting columns installed behind them. This arrangement created multiple rigid obstacles for drivers and was subject to frequent vehicle strikes, resulting in damage, repair costs and ongoing disruption.
The Evo-Chev Solution
TMP proposed the Evo-Chev, a passively safe chevron system designed to improve visibility and resilience while reducing roadside hazards. For this project, the Evo-Chev chevrons were adapted with several enhancements:
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Increased size from 600 mm to 800 mm for improved driver visibility.
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Addition of a yellow border to make the chevrons stand out against other street furniture and natural surroundings.
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Replacement of the traditional lighting column with an integrated uplighter, removing the rigid post behind the chevron while still ensuring night-time illumination.
The Evo-Chev is manufactured from flexible blades that rebound after impact, ensuring the system remains effective and reducing the likelihood of permanent damage.
Installation and Performance
The Evo-Chev units were installed in early 2024. Since installation, the roundabout has not experienced the same level of damage as before. Previously, each chevron on the site was being struck two or three times per year. Early results suggest that improved visibility and the passively safe design are reducing these incidents and improving overall road safety.
Cost and Environmental Benefits
The introduction of the Evo-Chev has also delivered significant cost savings. Traditional plate-and-post replacements on this site required extensive traffic management to replace, including overnight closures on the A12 and A130. Each intervention could cost in the region of £10,000 to £15,000 per night, far exceeding the cost of installing the Evo-Chev in the first place.
By reducing the need for repeat interventions, the Evo-Chev cuts both financial and carbon costs. Less traffic management means fewer closures, less congestion and a clear environmental benefit alongside the safety improvements.
Looking Ahead
Based on the success of this installation, Essex Highways is exploring opportunities to adopt the Evo-Chev more widely across the county. The system has proven its value as a safer, more sustainable and more cost-effective solution for managing high-risk roundabout sites.
The Evo-Chev is a prime example of how TMP works with local authorities to replace outdated roadside infrastructure with modern, passively safe alternatives that deliver both safety and sustainability.
