ENHANCING TRAFFIC TODAYOne aspect of today’s traffic is intensive capacity utili-sation, high traffic volumes almost around the clock, and high cost for the preparation work (closing a road, temporary markings) needed before maintenance is carried out.

The simple, cost-efficient, and safe contribution to increased road capacity is dynamic road markers.

Dynamic road markersThe dynamic road marker is basically a substitute for the traditional yellow or white lane dividers painted on the road, only much smarter. And much more versatile, quicker, and needing much less maintenance. The key features of dynamic road markers enable the marker to function as a facilitator both for safety and for efficiency. Among others, the British Highways Agency in Bristol (1) has performed studies and evalu-ations of the dynamic road marker’s functionality and effect on traffic flow. The tests not only state that the markers are capable of successfully replicating a white line, but also that their presence is accepted and easily

understood by the driver. The studies point to a clear connection between a safe road layout and the usage of dynamic road markers.

General problem areasReports from the British Highway Agency however identify several problem areas.

First the impact the markers have on the environment. Bumps in the road generate noise. They can create problems during winter maintenance when the road network needs to be freed from snow and ice. The maintenance is an obvious disadvantage with road markers in general. Due to questionable design not withstanding the stress that everyday traffic imposes, markers in general have a short life span. In many cases the cartridges become so deformed and dam-aged that replacement, rather than maintenance, is the only option.

Second the matter of how the markers can be inte-grated into a wider control system. In cities where the

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possibilities for further expansion is limited the need for more efficient use of existing infrastructure is big. One solution is a system of dynamic road markers that effectively controls the flow of traffic.

A different road markerThe Advance Light from Lucebit Road is a different type of dynamic road marker. It solves most of today’s exisiting problems. It is fully flush with the road sur-face. This means that no part of the marker protrudes above the surface. For a snow covered highway junc-tion this means a huge advantage. Snow removal gear can effectively sweep the area clean without causing any damage to the Advance Light. Because the marker is set fully flush with the road surface it generates no additional noise and thereby has no polluting effect on the sound environment. The marker is built for handling extreme stress caused by traffic. Without corrosion, deformation or damages, maintenance proves easy. The Advanced Light road marker comes with a multi-year guarantee.

A facilitator for efficiencyWhen it comes to controlling the flow of traffic it is important to create global systems of traffic control devices. The lanes on the road are resources that need to be used efficiently and effectively. For instance, this could mean assigning two extra lanes in to the city during the morning rush hours and two extra out during the evening. It could also mean to divert the traffic during special circumstances, or just to make the traffic aware of special events.

Envisage a tunnel like the one feeding Hamburg under the Elbe: heavy morning traffic is allocated six lanes into town, and two outbound. Heavy afternoon out-bound traffic is allocated five lanes, in-bound three. The allocations is dynamic, controlled by the traffic flow. The Advance Light road marker and it’s control system make this possible.

The need for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in Europe has been identified by the Easy Way project (2). The Easy Way project is laying the guidelines for the deployment of intelligent transportation systems in Europe. The strategy plan points towards three im-portant goals. Traffic safety improvement – to decrease traffic fatality with 25% in ten years, then towards zero casualties. Traffic flow/reduction of congestions – to decrease traffic congestion with 25% in ten years, then toward zero stress for drivers. Better environment – to

make a environmental friendly network towards zero congestion. Vital cornerstones to achieve these goals are monitoring systems, communication networks, and traffic control centers.

The pure dynamic in the Advanced Light marker is that it can be integrated into a web based system for road control. The markers are each assigned a specific IP address which means they can all be controlled in-dividually. In terms of controlling the traffic flow this opens up for a vast amount of applications. As refer-ence installations show it can be successfully used for diverting traffic, allocating lanes when needed, making drivers aware of a passing tram or a pedestrian cross-ing the street. The lights can be built on fully redundant communication via individual IP adresses. This means that every marker can be controlled individually in terms of dimming, flash sequence, and signalling.

A facilitator for safetyThe movement towards a sustainable traffic mobility with a decreased rate of injuries cannot be reached without a safer infrastructure. Instead of waiting for accidents to happen, areas identified as problematic must be made safer. Installing dynamic road markers is one way forward. Because of the optical refinements of the Advanced Light marker, only the intended drivers will see the given signal. The light source is directed precisely where it is needed and as a result no disturb-ing light leakage will reach other drivers. The markers will not only make drivers aware of possible dangers. Through the use of a dynamic control system a more efficient flow of traffic with less congestion is created, and in turn, a safer environment for the driver. (1) WSP Development and Transportation 2007, An evaluation of dynamic road marking for white line replication. Phase 3 report. Highways Agency

(2) EasyWay is a project for Europe-wide ITS development on main TERN corridors driven by national road quthorities and operators. www.easyway-its.eu

By Björn CederlindLucebit Roadtel

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