Highway & Tunnel Management

The Challenge

Safe and efficient travel is essential for a good quality of life. However, limited road capacity and increasing traffic volumes create unsafe conditions on motorways and in tunnels. Globally, 1.35 million people die in traffic-related accidents each year, with 50 million more being injured. Roadworks and tunnel-related accidents are also on the rise. 

Unexpected situations, such as sudden lane changes, narrow roads, unclear signage, poor visibility, and congestion at roadworks and in tunnels, increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Beyond the human cost, traffic accidents impose an immense financial burden on society and reduce economic productivity. European goals aim to halve road deaths by 2030 and achieve zero fatalities by 2050, which highlights the urgent need for effective traffic and tunnel management systems. 

The main challenges include: 

• Managing high traffic volumes safely on limited road space 
• Reducing accidents in high-risk areas such as tunnels and work zones 
• Minimizing congestion and its environmental impact 
• Integrating dynamic, real-time data from multiple sources for proactive traffic management 
• The final challenge is to ensure flexible, future-proof systems that can evolve with new technology and mobility needs 

The Solution

SWARCO provides a comprehensive, modular mobility management system that makes highways, expressways, and tunnels safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.  
Key components include: 

• Dynamic Traffic Guidance: Real-time route information, warnings and alternative routing help to reduce congestion and emissions while keeping traffic flowing smoothly. 
• Tunnel Management: Integrated systems monitor and control tunnel operations and traffic to improve safety and driver awareness. 
• Data-driven safety measures: Cross-domain data from sensors, floating car data, apps and event information enable real-time incident detection and direct traffic away from dangerous areas. 
• Variable message signs and speed control: Drivers are warned of hazards ahead, reduced speed limits and lane closures during incidents or in work zones. 
• Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) systems: Overloaded vehicles are detected while in motion and directed to exit the motorway safely via programmable VMS notifications. 
• Modular, Scalable Platform: This open system allows for incremental expansion and the integration of urban and interurban domains, while avoiding vendor lock-ins. 
• Central systems and monitoring: Traffic management control centers provide real-time monitoring, dynamic traffic control and coordination across highways and tunnels. 

SWARCO’s solutions prioritize safer, faster, and more convenient travel while protecting infrastructure investments and supporting sustainable, future-ready mobility. All solutions can be scaled up, enabling authorities to 'start small' and add functionality as needs evolve.