Opportunity at smart motorways

What are smart motorways?

Smart motorways are a type of road network in the United Kingdom that use technology to manage traffic flow and improve safety. The term "smart motorway" refers to a range of different systems, including:

1. Variable speed limits: The speed limit is adjusted based on traffic flow and conditions to keep traffic moving and prevent congestion.
2. Active traffic management: This involves opening and closing lanes, adjusting speed limits, and displaying warning messages on overhead signs to respond to incidents or heavy traffic.
3. Hard shoulder running: In some sections of smart motorways, the hard shoulder is used as a traffic lane during peak hours to increase capacity.
4. Emergency refuge areas: These are designated areas where drivers can pull over in case of an emergency.

The aim of smart motorways is to use technology to better manage traffic flow and increase capacity on the roads, while also improving safety by quickly responding to incidents and providing better information to drivers. However, there has been controversy over the safety of smart motorways, particularly those that use hard shoulder running, as there have been instances of accidents where stranded vehicles were hit from behind.

Where are smart motorways installed in the UK?

Smart motorways have been installed on several major highways in the UK. Some of the key examples include:

1. M1: Smart motorways have been installed on a section of the M1 motorway between junctions 19 and 16, as well as on a stretch between junctions 32 and 35a.
2. M25: Smart motorways have been installed on several sections of the M25, including between junctions 5 and 7, and between junctions 23 and 27.
3. M6: Smart motorways have been installed on a section of the M6 between junctions 16 and 19.
4. M62: Smart motorways have been installed on a section of the M62 between junctions 10 and 12, as well as on a stretch between junctions 18 and 20.
5. M4: Smart motorways have been installed on a section of the M4 between junctions 3 and 12.

There are also plans to introduce smart motorways on other sections of major highways in the UK, including the M3, M5, and M23. However, as mentioned earlier, the safety of smart motorways has been a topic of controversy, and there are ongoing reviews and discussions about their design and operation.

Will the concept of smart motorways be continued in the UK?

The concept of smart motorways is likely to continue in the UK, although the design and implementation of future schemes may change in response to safety concerns and ongoing reviews.

In 2021, the UK government announced that it would introduce a number of safety improvements to existing and future smart motorways, following a review by the Department for Transport. These improvements include reducing the spacing between emergency refuge areas, improving the detection of stopped vehicles, and implementing better signage and communication with drivers.

At the same time, the government stated that it would no longer install "dynamic hard shoulder" smart motorways, which allow the hard shoulder to be used as a traffic lane during busy periods. Instead, future schemes will use a "stopped vehicle detection" system to alert drivers to obstructions on the carriageway and close lanes where necessary.

The continued use of smart motorways will depend on ongoing evaluations of their safety and effectiveness, as well as the availability of funding for their implementation.

Who are the providers of smart motorway technology in the UK?

There are multiple providers of technology used in smart motorways in the UK, as the systems involve a range of components and technologies. Some of the key providers of smart motorway technology in the UK include:

1. Siemens: Siemens provides a range of smart motorway solutions, including variable message signs, lane control systems, and tunnel safety systems.
2. Cubic Transportation Systems: Cubic provides a range of intelligent transportation systems, including traffic management systems, electronic tolling systems, and information displays.
3. Costain: Costain is a UK-based engineering and construction company that has worked on several smart motorway projects in the UK, including the M1 J39-42 smart motorway.
4. Thales: Thales provides a range of intelligent transportation systems, including traffic management and control systems, advanced driver assistance systems, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication solutions.
5. Kapsch: Kapsch provides a range of intelligent transportation solutions, including tolling systems, traffic management systems, and advanced driver assistance systems.

It's worth noting that different smart motorway projects in the UK may use different technology providers, depending on the requirements of the project and the preferences of the contractor.

Where is the technology of smart motorways used worldwide?

The technology used in smart motorways is used in various forms in many countries worldwide. The concept of using technology to improve traffic flow and safety on highways is increasingly popular, and several countries have implemented their own versions of smart motorways or similar systems.

Some examples of countries where smart motorways or similar technologies have been implemented include:

1. United States: The US has implemented a number of managed lane projects that use tolls, variable speed limits, and other technologies to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. One example is the I-10 Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas, which uses a variable toll system to manage traffic.
2. Australia: Australia has implemented a number of smart motorway projects, including the M4 Motorway in Sydney and the Tullamarine Freeway in Melbourne. These projects use variable speed limits, lane control signals, and other technologies to manage traffic flow.
3. Canada: Canada has implemented a number of managed lane projects, such as the High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on Highway 427 in Toronto. These lanes use tolls to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.
4. China: China has implemented a number of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), including the Beijing-Tianjin Intelligent Expressway, which uses a range of technologies to manage traffic flow and improve safety.
5. Europe: Smart motorways or similar systems are also being implemented in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

The specific technologies and systems used in smart motorways may vary between countries and regions, depending on local regulations and requirements. However, the general concept of using technology to manage traffic flow and improve safety is becoming increasingly common worldwide.

Are job opportunities available in smart motorways?

Yes, there are job opportunities in the field of smart motorways, as the design, implementation, and operation of these systems require a range of skills and expertise. Some of the job roles involved in smart motorways include:

1. Civil engineers: Civil engineers are responsible for the design and construction of smart motorway infrastructure, such as lane control signals, variable speed limit signs, and emergency refuge areas.
2. Electrical engineers: Electrical engineers design and maintain the electrical systems that power smart motorway technologies, such as lighting, sensors, and communication systems.
3. Traffic engineers: Traffic engineers are responsible for managing the flow of traffic on smart motorways, using tools such as traffic simulation software and real-time data analysis to optimize traffic flow.
4. Operations staff: Operations staff monitor and maintain the smart motorway systems, including responding to incidents, monitoring traffic flow, and making adjustments to the systems as needed.
5. Technicians: Technicians install, maintain, and repair the various components of smart motorway systems, including lane control signals, variable speed limit signs, and communication equipment.

There may also be opportunities for professionals in fields such as software development, data analysis, and project management to work on smart motorway projects. Job opportunities in smart motorways may be available with engineering and construction firms, government agencies, and technology providers that specialize in intelligent transportation systems.

Peter Auwerx, chatting with chatGPT