Several things of interest:
- The spacings seem to be remaining the same in that location so with CFL lanterns it should not look overlit.
Unlike in Pompey where Colas seldom put new columns in the old positions and closed up the spacings.
- SEC seem to be doing the "big bang" approach rather than their more usual "plant and pull as we go" that is normally employed on non PFI replacement schemes. It will be interesting to see how quickly the new columns are commissioned.
Whilst "painted" columns look better than galvanised that only holds true until the paint/coating gets chipped and traps water beneath. New columns only a few years old in Fareham already have chipped paint down to the base layer and the finish soon dulls and look grubby.
If I were trying to get maximum life from the columns I'm afraid I would choose galvanised..