DW Windsor / Projects / Dalston Junction, London

Safer journeys for Dalston Junction commuters

The challenge

Buses pulling into Dalston Junction Bus Station posed a unique lighting challenge for TfL and our lighting team. With light from the opposite side of the station being obstructed by buses stopping and waiting, the walkway to the main Dalston Junction station was often left dark and unsafe for pedestrians. This resulted in the need to find an effective lighting solution for the busy walkway.

Clients and partners

  • Client

    TfL

Key project requirements

  • Lighting the walkway to the station for commuter safety.
  • Overcome the shadows created by buses parked in the station.
  • Minimising glare and obtrusive light.
  • Cost effective solution.

The solution

After investigating potential solutions for lighting the walkway between the bus station and Dalston Junction station, the preferred route was to retrofit the existing balustrade.

This was not only the most cost-effective route, but proved to be the most straightforward and logical, because no other third parties needed to be consulted before progressing. Other viable options included wall-mounted lighting onto the building adjacent to the bus station, however as this building is a  privately-owned block of flats, it would mean the involvement of other stakeholders.

The existing balustrade, having never been structurally tested, provided a separate challenge for the Garda team to tackle. The lighting solution had to be as lightweight as possible. So, in keeping with this, we recommended and opted for the aluminium variant of our Garda illuminated handrail, which at just 2.6kg per metre, was 2kg lighter than our standard stainless steel version.

With the safety of pedestrians paramount to the project, our retrofitted Garda balustrade provides a true asymmetric light distribution, lighting the path to 36lx with an average uniformity of 0.59. This puts light exactly where it’s needed, counteracting the shadows previously created by the buses. Furthermore, the low mounting height and controlled optical distribution prevents glare for users, unwanted spilt light and minimises the impact on the adjacent residential properties.

Low energy consumption, sensor control, vandal resistance and ease of maintenance are just some of the other benefits that have been realised on this project.

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