Harlington Underpass

Harlington, a historic district in the London Borough of Hillingdon, has long served as a vital connection for residents and commuters. Adjacent to the M4 and close to Harlington High Street, the underpass provides a key pedestrian route linking the community.

a poorly lit underpass under the M4
a well lit underpass under the M4

Brief

Over the years, the ageing 70W SON – T lighting system (90W circuit) left parts of the underpass in darkness, creating an uninviting environment and safety concerns for users.

Committed to fostering safe and strong communities while achieving a greener, sustainable borough, Hillingdon Council partnered with Acrospire and Termed contractor J McCann & Co Limited to revitalise the Harlington Underpass.

Together, they aimed to transform the space into a safer, more welcoming area, encouraging use and reducing energy consumption.

Brief &
Requirements

  • Replace damaged and outdated fixtures to eliminate black spots and ensure uniform illumination throughout the underpass
  • Reduce carbon emissions and operational costs through modern, energy-saving solutions
  • Discourage vandalism and loitering by creating a bright, well-lit space with improved visibility
a well lit underpass under the M4

Solution

To meet these goals, Acrospire’s Serifa linear luminaires were selected for the project. The 44W ceiling luminaires, specified in black in 1250mm lengths delivering 5,342 lumens, offer a bright, evenly distributed light in a 4000K colour temperature. Key features of the installation included:

  • Durability: Robust IK10++ impact-resistant design to withstand potential vandalism.
  • Enhanced Safety: 4000K colour temperature for easier facial recognition, fostering a sense of security for pedestrians.
  • Energy Savings: Integration of an external time clock, dimming the luminaires to 75% output between midnight and 5 am to conserve energy while maintaining adequate light levels.
  • Aesthetic Improvement: A sleek black RAL9005 finish with frosted protectors, giving the underpass a brighter and more modern appearance.

This carefully designed solution not only addresses safety concerns but also aligns with Hillingdon Council’s dual commitments to creating safe, resilient communities and achieving carbon neutrality.

The Harlington Underpass now boasts a brighter, more welcoming environment that encourages use and discourages anti-social behaviour. The improved lighting quality ensures better visibility and a more secure atmosphere for residents and commuters. Furthermore, the built-in energy-saving features reduce energy consumption by over 50%, contributing to Hillingdon’s sustainability goals.

The upgraded lighting has transformed the Harlington Underpass. The improved light quality and even distribution make the space feel safer and more inviting for residents, while the energy-saving features support our commitment to sustainability.

Roy Thabrew, Lighting Engineer at LB Hillingdon