Turnstar Systems recently completed the design, manufacture, and installation of 10 Velocity automatic vehicle barriers for the Huguenot Toll Plaza in the Western Cape, South Africa. As one of the busiest toll roads in the country, the Huguenot Toll Plaza required a solution that would enhance the flow of traffic while ensuring safety and reliability. Turnstar’s Velocity barriers were chosen for their high-speed performance, cost-effectiveness, and durability.
Located on the N1 national route, the Huguenot Toll Plaza is a crucial access point through the Huguenot Tunnel, one of South Africa’s longest and most critical road tunnels. This toll plaza manages a large volume of daily traffic, ranging from private vehicles to commercial trucks. To maintain efficient traffic flow while ensuring safety and security, the plaza needed reliable barriers capable of operating continuously under high traffic conditions.
The key requirements for this project were:
- High speed operation to minimise delays for vehicles passing through the toll plaza.
- Durable construction to withstand the constant usage and harsh environmental conditions in the Western Cape.
- Improved visibility and safety at the barriers, especially during night-time and poor weather conditions.
- A cost effective solution without compromising on performance or reliability.
Turnstar Systems provided 10 Velocity automatic vehicle barriers, customised to meet the demanding needs of the Huguenot Toll Plaza.
Key features of the installed barriers include:
- 3m Poles: Each barrier was fitted with a 3-metre pole, providing ample reach for lane control without obstructing larger vehicles.
- Optic LED Pole: The barriers were equipped with Turnstar’s Optic LED pole system, which offers enhanced visibility for drivers, particularly during low-light conditions. This feature is crucial for safety, as it ensures that approaching vehicles can clearly see the position of the barriers.
- Powder Coated 3Cr12 Stainless Steel Cabinets: The barrier cabinets were manufactured from 3Cr12 stainless steel, a material known for its corrosion resistance, particularly in outdoor and high-traffic environments. The cabinets were also powder-coated, adding an additional layer of protection and aesthetic appeal.
- High Speed Operation: Designed to operate at high speeds, the Velocity barriers help to keep traffic flowing smoothly through the toll plaza, reducing congestion and wait times, which is essential for such a busy route.
The installation was conducted by Turnstar’s skilled technical team, who worked closely with the management at the Huguenot Toll Plaza to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations. The installation was completed within a tight timeline, given the importance of maintaining uninterrupted toll services.
The Huguenot Toll Plaza serves as a gateway between the Western Cape and the interior regions of South Africa, making it a vital part of the country’s road infrastructure. Ensuring the smooth and safe passage of vehicles through this toll is crucial for both economic and logistical reasons. With its heavy daily traffic, the toll plaza needed a barrier solution that could perform under constant pressure, handling large volumes efficiently while ensuring safety for both vehicles and toll operators.
The installation of the Velocity automatic vehicle barriers at the Huguenot Toll Plaza has significantly improved the efficiency of the toll operations. The high-speed barrier movement allows for quick and smooth vehicle processing, reducing congestion during peak traffic hours. The Optic LED poles provide enhanced visibility, contributing to improved safety for drivers, especially in low-light or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the powder-coated 3Cr12 stainless steel cabinets ensure long-term durability, even under the harsh environmental conditions of the Western Cape.
Turnstar Systems is proud to have provided a high-performance, cost-effective access control solution for one of South Africa’s busiest toll plazas. The Velocity automatic vehicle barriers have proven to be a reliable choice for the Huguenot Toll Plaza, offering the speed, durability, and safety features required for such a critical roadway.
By combining Turnstar’s expertise in manufacturing and installation, we have delivered a solution that not only meets but exceeds the operational demands of this high-traffic environment. The success of this project reaffirms Turnstar’s commitment to providing industry-leading access control systems that are built to last.