The new lanterns are the 'large' (SGS 254) version of the Iridium, and run 150 Watt SON-T lamps.

The next three outgoing columns supported integrally-geared MA 50s.

The combination of the outreach on the sleeve and use of these lanterns makes for a considerable length between the front of the lantern and the back of the column.

The new column here was set slightly more forward than its predecessor was.

Two versions of the Royce Thompson SC1000 photocell are seen here - the MA 50 is fitted with a blue 70 Lux version; the type that was specified from the commencement of the PFI until September 2010, and the Iridium is fitted with the type that was specified after this date - the SC1000/SAV. The new cells activate at the much lower 35 Lux every evening.

This column's inspection door had been removed when the surrounding verge was excavated. The main fuse carrier had been removed and placed inside the column. The appearance of the two double-pole isolator units in this column suggests that it was a control point for two outgoing circuits.

The next new column was installed opposite its outgoing equivalent; perhaps to aid visibility to traffic emerging from Stanage Green.

This MA 50 still retained a relatively clean appearance.

As the SGS 254 is designed to accommodate the higher-wattage SON lamps, 150 Watt lamps look slightly out of proportion in the elongated optic.

The next few installations saw a return to remotely-geared MA 50s.

Excavations had also taken place around this column's base. The green object visible is a gas pipe; beneath that, the supply cable can be seen entering the old column from the rear.

This column, installed just after the second of two accesses to the short service road, supported an MA 50 containing a small pool of green water in the bowl.

Comparison of new and old column base compartments.

At this point, the road width increased slightly.

The dirt on this lantern's canopy almost made the photograph look monochrome!

These Iridiums were fitted only a few hours prior to these photographs being taken - van FN03BXJ was used in this process - this is a van that has even been used to fit tungsten lanterns in its time...

The new column appears to be leaning forward slightly, or perhaps it is vertical and the old column is leaning backwards slightly.

A rather surprising observation with this column (and the previous installation as well) is that the rear cable entry holes were exposed. This may have always been the case, due to the banking of the verge. Some cut lengths of cable can be seen in the hole - the section below the base compartment is often used as an unofficial way of disposing of cable offcuts, but if you're going to do this, at least ensure that there's not a gaping hole visible in the back of the column first!

The following new columns were installed in between their outgoing number.

This MA 50's canopy looked especially grubby.

10 m tubular steel columns supporting integrally-geared MA 50s were installed here in the 1990s, at the same time as an island refuge was installed. The refuge was later removed, although the feeder pillar for it (visible just to the left of this column) was retained.

A GE branded SOX lamp appears to be fitted here.

Meanwhile, Philips branded SON lamps are fitted in the new lanterns.

Looking back along the road, a column supporting a 'medium' (SGS 253) Iridium can be seen. These Iridiums were installed when the Western Road junction was re-aligned a few years prior to the commencement of the PFI scheme, in approximately 2007/8. As such, this junction is not included on these photograph pages.

BACK TO PART TWO | CONTINUE TO PART FOUR