A revolutionary technology has been launched to help reduce roadworks and congestion for British drivers on busy motorways and A-roads.
The trialled technology developed by Alchera uses artificial intelligence to plan when the best time for roadworks should be based on accurate traffic flow predictions.
The system was tested on the M6 between junctions 21a and 23 in the northwest and resulted in a drop in delayed journeys by 900,000 and saved roughly £18.2million in public funds over a two-month trial.
The technology was launched in conjunction with a showcase aimed at improving traffic flows for drivers.
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The system was trialled on the M6 between junctions 21a and 23
PEXELSNational Highways Executive Director for Major Projects, Nicola Bell, said: "When we launched this competition, our goal was to find new ideas to help reduce the impact of roadworks on road users and people living near works.
"So, it’s fantastic news that we are already starting to see how effective these new innovations can be both in reducing delays and costs.
"We know roadworks are frustrating for people but they are an essential part of keeping our roads safe and moving so anything we can do to ease the impact of these important works is to be welcomed."
Three of the tech solutions are currently being trialled on England’s motorways and A-roads with the companies receiving up to £60,000 to take their ideas forward.
Anna Jordan, Alchera’s CEO added: "We’re passionate about making better use of mobility data to drive intelligent decision making and wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity to work with National Highways to demonstrate how road user experience can be improved, while still reducing costs.
"The trial has clearly evidenced how our software can be used to reduce the delays caused by roadworks, while also ensuring that works are carried out in the most cost-effective way.
"We look forward to continuing work with National Highways and their contractors to influence positive change on the rest of the strategic road network."
National Highways explained that traffic flow levels are an important aspect of planning roadworks.
The other winning ideas included Robok which uses AI-powered tech to analyse CCTV footage to improve people’s experiences of roadworks. The system was trialled out on the M25 J10/A3 Interchange.
Alex Weedon from Connected Places Catapult commented: "I'm very proud of what Alchera Technologies has achieved so far in demonstrating how its system can be used to good effect to reduce delays for motorists and keep down the costs associated with roadworks.
"This multi-phase approach taken by National Highways is really visionary – it recognises that innovations need to be demonstrated and then trialled in live environments and this programme is genuinely making that route to market easier."
The competition was funded through National Highways’ Designated Funds which aim to invest in and support initiatives that improve travel across England.
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The M6 is the longest motorway in the UK and is just over 230 miles PALaura Baker-Lacey, Customer Service Director at National Highways, stated: "Roadworks are an essential part of managing, developing and maintaining our roads but we know they are a cause of frustration for not only drivers but those in the surrounding communities and local businesses.
"We hope these ideas will make the experience of roadworks a kinder one and look forward to seeing how the projects develop."