As technology advances at a rapid pace, it is starting to transform various industries and sectors. One such industry seeing a big leap forward due to technological innovation is transportation infrastructure, particularly highways. With the introduction of smart technologies, highways of the future are being reimagined to become safer, more efficient, and sustainable.
Connected Vehicles and Smart Communication
One of the most impactful technologies bringing highways to the future is connected vehicle technology. Connected vehicles utilize vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication to connect vehicles to other vehicles, infrastructure like traffic lights and signs, and Roadside Units (RSU). This allows for wireless sharing of vital safety and mobility data in real-time. Using short-range wireless technologies like DSRC, connected vehicles can broadcast location, speed and more to avoid collisions and improve traffic flow. RSUs along the highway further aid this communication by acting as roadside access points. This makes hazardous situations and congestion a thing of the past.
Intelligent Transportation Systems for Enhanced Mobility
Smart highways incorporate various Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to optimize traffic movement. Electronic toll collection systems allow contactless payment on toll plazas to prevent traffic backup. Adaptive traffic signals sync with real-time traffic conditions to shorten red lights and extend greens. Congestion detection sensors identify chokepoints to routes traffic dynamically. Variable message signs display up-to-date notifications on road closures, incidents or alternate routes. Parking guidance systems guide drivers to available spaces through mobiles apps. Together, these ITS enable free traffic movement even during peak hours.
Infrastructure Monitoring with Sensors
To ensure highway infrastructure integrity, Smart Highways are embedded with various environmental, structural and pavement sensors. Embedded weigh-in-motion sensors measure axle weights of passing vehicles without slowing them to monitor overloading. Pavement sensors evaluate the road surface temperature, moisture content and stress levels for timely maintenance. Structural health monitoring uses strain gauges and tiltmeters to identify damage earlier. Video image processors and thermal cameras identify cracks or hotspots. Sensor data is analyzed on cloud platforms which trigger alerts for repairs and rehabilitation on time before failures occur. This significantly extends infrastructure lifespan.
Smart Energy and Eco-friendly Features
In addition to mobility features, smart highways are also focusing on sustainable energy and environmental protection aspects. Solar panels installed along the roads and on noise barriers generate renewable energy. Intelligent lighting systems equipped with daylight and motion sensors optimize electric lighting usage. Inductive wireless and wired charging lanes embedded in asphalt charge electric vehicles on move. Intelligent maintenance using robotics reduces carbon footprint. Native vegetation planted alongside naturally absorbs air pollutants. Intelligent tunnels facilitate natural ventilation negating use of energy-intensive fans. These eco-friendly features make smart highways carbon neutral.
Advancing Safety with Automated Technologies
Another futuristic aspect of smart highways is integrating automated and autonomous driving technologies for incident prevention. Infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication coupled with advanced sensors allow vehicles to maneuver safely at high speeds in platoons with minimum reaction distances. Intersections are designed to enable vehicles to automatically handle merging, weaving and diverging with precision using technologies like Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I). Automated Incident Detection (AID) through computer vision recognize accidents instantaneously to dispatch emergency responders without delay. These coupled with self-driving capabilities through Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) diminish chances of accidents and improve emergency response.
Data Analytics and Advance Management
To oversee operations, smart highways leverage data analytics from a central control center. The highway becomes a digital twin with a live map showing real-time traffic speeds, volumes, closures, incidents. Analytics detect bottlenecks through probe vehicle data and weather API. Predictive modeling helps plan targeted maintenance, construct additional lanes in congestion-prone zones and schedule events to prevent anticipated issues. Command centers assist authorities and first responders in traffic management even during disasters through connected enforcement vehicles. Data insights help authorities transport goods more efficiently, cut commute times and boost productivity of communities along the smart corridor.
As technology revolutionizes transport infrastructure, the future of highways is being redefined through smart networking and ubiquitous sensing. By harnessing connectivity, automation, sustainability and data insights, smart highways are raising the bar for safer, greener and efficient mobility. Advanced ITS and shared mobility solutions are optimizing highway utilization and experience for commuters. Continuous innovation is sure to transform the smart highway vision into reality paving the way for future-proof transportation ecosystems worldwide.
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According to a recent study report published by Market Research Future, The global market of smart highways is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period.
The market is projected to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2023 with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 – 2023).OverviewThe global smart highways market is showing immense growth; mainly due to the growing need for congestion free, reliable and improved travel experience among the end users.
Smart highways basically refer to incorporation of different technologies into the roads for generating solar energy, for improving the operation of autonomous cars or for lighting and monitoring the condition of the roads.
Technological advancements and economic growth is influencing the industry dynamics.
Increasing adoption of intelligent transport system (ITS) and developing infrastructure are major factors expected to boost the growth of smart highways market.On the other hand, lack of accurate driver information and inappropriate traffic flow due to poor highway communication infrastructure are major factors hindering the growth of smart highways market.
The new poles are CE marked with a unique specification label confirming key features as required by BS EN 12899 including construction material, corrosion resistance and strength characteristics.December 2017 – Siemens has been awarded new ITS contract in Northern Ireland.
