Traffic Management for the Capital of Uruguay

The challenge

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay with 1.3 million inhabitants, faced increasing traffic congestion and limited control over its urban mobility network. The city urgently required a new traffic management center to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and decrease waiting times at intersections.

Managing a growing metropolitan area demanded an integrated and adaptive traffic control approach capable of enhancing mobility and traffic safety. The key objective was to achieve measurable improvements in travel efficiency while establishing a scalable system that could eventually cover the entire city.

The process

SWARCO, in collaboration with local construction and infrastructure specialist CIEMSA, implemented an integrated mobility management center (CGM). The first phase of the project was completed within 12 months and included the deployment of the OMNIA ITS integration platform with a web-based graphical user interface.

Central and intersection-level UTOPIA Urban Traffic Control (UTC) software modules were introduced to enable fully adaptive traffic control strategies at 133 intersections. SWARCO ITC-2 traffic controllers and modems were installed to ensure reliable field communication.

The project also integrated the MISTIC infomobility platform for managing four strategically positioned LED Variable Message Signs (VMS), providing real-time guidance and information to motorists. A CCTV-based traffic surveillance system with 46 cameras was incorporated, along with speed and red-light enforcement subsystems.

Following successful implementation, the system has been continuously expanded. Since December 2023, further extensions have been underway to connect an additional 160 intersections in plan selection mode. Today, approximately 1,000 intersections are integrated into the CGM system. SWARCO provides ongoing software licenses, warranty extensions, and technical assistance services.

The solution

The integrated mobility management center has delivered measurable improvements in Montevideo’s traffic performance. A before-and-after study demonstrated a 12% reduction in travel time and a 20% reduction in waiting times at intersections, validating the effectiveness of the solution.

By combining adaptive traffic control, centralized management, real-time monitoring, enforcement integration, and dynamic information systems, Montevideo has significantly improved mobility and traffic safety across the city.

Now operating under SWARCO MyCity urban traffic and mobility management solutions, the system provides a scalable and future-ready foundation for continued expansion. With 1,000 intersections already integrated and further growth planned, Montevideo has established a comprehensive and sustainable traffic management framework for its capital city.