Smart Traffic Management for Herrenberg

The challenge

The City of Herrenberg was facing increasing traffic volumes and growing environmental pressure. Rising congestion and emissions required coordinated traffic control measures that could both harmonize traffic flow and reduce pollution. At the same time, road capacity had to continue meeting traffic demand under varying daily and seasonal scenarios.

The city needed a solution that would improve traffic coordination, optimize signal control, and respond dynamically to real-time traffic and environmental conditions — while also preparing the infrastructure for future mobility requirements. 

The process

To address these challenges, Herrenberg partnered with SWARCO to implement an intelligent, data-driven traffic management approach. The first step was the establishment of a virtual Traffic Management Center using the SWARCO MyCity Cloud System.

Seventeen traffic signal systems were integrated into the new platform with real-time data transmission. A network-adaptive control system, TMS Adaptive (formerly INES), was implemented to evaluate live traffic and environmental data. Newly installed detection points continuously feed information into the system, allowing it to select suitable signal programs and adjust local parameters according to current traffic conditions.

Using the ANNA data and analytics software, controller data is analyzed on an ongoing basis to support continuous optimization. Traffic engineers further improved local coordination by identifying and reallocating unused green times, ensuring that signal phases match actual vehicle demand at each intersection. Various coordinated green waves were designed to reduce stops and improve progression along key corridors.

To complement signal optimization, nearly 30 dynamic speed advice displays were installed across the city. These displays are directly controlled by SWARCO ACROS X-LINE traffic light controllers, allowing synchronized management of both signal timing and speed recommendations.

In addition, all intersections were equipped with Car2X (V2X) technology to enable future communication between infrastructure and vehicles. This prepares the city for the transition from legacy public transport prioritization systems to C-ITS-based prioritization in the coming years. 

The solution

Herrenberg now benefits from a fully integrated smart traffic management system that combines adaptive signal control, dynamic speed regulation, real-time data analysis, and connected vehicle technology.

The MyCity Cloud-based traffic control center harmonizes traffic flow across 16 intersection controllers (including 10 ACROS X-LINE units), supports public transport prioritization, integrates accessibility features for visually impaired pedestrians, and connects legacy third-party controllers within a unified platform.

The coordinated green waves and adaptive signal programs reduce unnecessary stops, create smoother and more consistent traffic progression, and lower emissions. Dynamic speed displays work in alignment with traffic signal programs to optimize flow along critical corridors.

With real-time monitoring, continuous optimization, and Car2X readiness, Herrenberg has improved traffic efficiency and air quality while ensuring that its infrastructure is prepared for future mobility developments.