BACKCubic Case Study- Blackwall Tunnel Signage Upgrade
9th June 2026
Case Study: Blackwall Tunnel Signage Upgrade
Keeping Traffic Flowing Under the Thames
With more than 100,000 vehicles travelling through it every day, the Blackwall Tunnel is one of London’s busiest and most critical transport routes. As part of Transport for London’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe and efficient travel across the capital, ageing traffic signage infrastructure within the tunnel required upgrading.
The challenge was clear: how could new traffic safety signs be installed quickly and efficiently, while minimising disruption on one of London’s most heavily used roads?
Working on behalf of Transport for London, Cubic Transportation Systems selected Messagemaker Displays and its new MS1 signage range to deliver a solution designed specifically for rapid installation and reduced maintenance closures.
The Challenge
The Blackwall Tunnel forms part of London’s strategic red route network roads that make up only 5% of the capital’s total road length yet carry around 30% of its traffic volume. Maintaining traffic flow and ensuring driver safety is therefore essential.
Existing traffic signage infrastructure within the tunnel had become outdated and required replacement. However, traditional sign replacement can involve lengthy closures, additional engineering work and significant disruption to motorists.
For Cubic Transportation Systems, reducing installation time and minimising lane or tunnel closures was a key project priority.
What we did…
Messagemaker Displays supplied two of its newly developed MS1 signs as part of a trial installation within the tunnel network.
Developed over a two-year period, the MS1 range was engineered specifically to simplify installation by utilising existing roadside infrastructure. The signs feature compatible mounting brackets, power connections and data interfaces, allowing old units to be replaced directly without the need for adaptors or extensive engineering modifications.
This approach enabled installation work to be completed significantly faster than traditional replacement methods, helping reduce the amount of time the tunnel needed to be closed during maintenance works.
“Cubic Transportation Systems needed a simple swap-out solution to help replace the aging stock on the road network as spares are no longer available plus needed a product that will be reliable as well as energy efficient. This was a very collaborative effort with our in-house engineers & Cubic Transportation Systems engineers to make an MS1 that will work seamlessly with the existing infrastructure. I’m very happy with the result with units working well & more units being installed at other gantries on the Blackwall tunnel”
– Neil Jones, Business Development Manager at Messagemaker Displays
The MS1 signs are available in formats suitable for gantry-mounted and post-mounted installations and can display any TSRGD symbol in full colour, including flashing amber warning lanterns for enhanced visibility and driver awareness.
In addition to simplifying installation, the units were also designed with energy efficiency in mind, consuming an average of just 41 watts while remaining fully compatible with NMCS2 and CHARM systems.
Designed for Rapid Installation
A major focus during the development of the MS1 range was reducing installation complexity and time on site.
According to testing undertaken by Messagemaker Displays, installation can be completed significantly faster than traditional replacement methods, helping to reduce the operational impact associated with road tunnel maintenance.
“Our signage portfolio is already as energy efficient as possible, so the goal for the new MS1 range was to develop units that were exceptionally easy to install. We designed brackets, power and data connectors that are all compatible with existing infrastructure, allowing the new sign to replace the old without the need for adaptors or additional engineering.”
– Santosh Surabi, Technical Director at Messagemaker Displays
The Result
By selecting the MS1 range, Cubic Transportation Systems was able to reduce installation time and minimise disruption to one of London’s busiest transport corridors.
The project demonstrated how intelligent sign design can help infrastructure operators improve maintenance efficiency without compromising road safety or traffic flow.
“Roadworks and delays for highway maintenance are a necessary issue but can be very disruptive. The new MS1 range from Messagemaker Displays provided an ideal solution for the Blackwall Tunnel as we could significantly reduce the amount of time we needed to close the tunnel to install the units. We are very pleased to be working with Messagemaker Displays again. The team is always helpful and offers valuable technical support at every stage of a project.”
