The management of traffic flow and congestion will be improved across the UK thanks to a contract awarded to Telent to supply Wavetronix radar detection equipment covering National Highways managed roads.
Traffic flow, headway and occupancy statistics captured by Motorway Incident Detection and Automated Signalling (MIDAS) radar data collection units from Wavetronix, will be used by National Highways to mitigate the risks associated with congestion and queues in live lanes, supporting the smooth running of the Strategic Road Network (SRN).
Wavetronix’s MIDAS radar installations require little human intervention and are critical infrastructure installed on the UK’s motorways to improve the safety of all motorway users. The technology is specifically developed to provide accurate and reliable congestion data, which will be used by National Highways to manage variable message signs and traffic flow. The ability to communicate remotely to each detector makes the Wavetronix solution the most efficient MIDAS radar on the market today.
Historically, traditional inductive loops have been used to gather data. Yet over time these need to be replaced, leading to road closures and traffic disruptions. The Wavetronix SmartSensor HD is a nonintrusive dual radar detection device designed for the traffic industry, which provides an alternative to traditional inductive loops bringing about significant savings on installation time and maintenance costs.
“The deployment of reliable, accurate and enduring technology is critical for National Highways in managing traffic flow and helping to improve safety. We relied on Telent’s expertise and knowledge of our digital infrastructure to source this tried and tested technology to help our traffic management. The Wavetronix MIDAS technology is a valuable tool in use across the UK to assist the safe and efficient operation of roads.”
This contract has been secured through the Operational Technology Commercial Framework (OTCF), a procurement vehicle to support National Highways in delivering the Road Investment Strategy 2020-25 (RIS2), and their principle route to market for all operational technology requirements. Delivered as part of a wider technology refresh programme, the MIDAS units will be installed by March 2025 across the (SRN).
“Since 2018, Telent has been working with National Highways to deliver a portfolio of digital platforms across the NRTS network, so our experience of connectivity on the UK’s roads is extensive. The award of this contract is down to our relationship with key technology vendors, as well as our close and collaborative working relationship with National Highways and reinforces our work to improve reliability and operating performance across the network.”
“We have full confidence in the ability of our SmartSensor technology to deliver the accuracy, reliability and quality of data required by National Highways to help meet its priorities of continuously improving road services and safety. We look forward to helping deliver the vital data to help improve the management of the UK’s roads through this contract.”
This work builds on Telent’s relationship with National Highways and the SRN through the NRTS project, having recently been awarded a contract extension until 2027 for digital technology operation and management of NRTS, following the initial contract award in 2018.