The initiative is designed to reduce accidents, provide alerts, and gather data to identify accident causes and dangerous areas. It also aims to change drivers’ and workers’ behaviors to create a safer place for everyone.
About the client
Svevia is one of Sweden’s leading companies specializing in constructing and maintaining roads and infrastructure. As a significant player in the industry, Svevia is responsible for maintaining approximately half of Sweden’s operating road network. Their extensive experience and commitment to safety make them key stakeholders in any initiative to improve road worksite conditions.
In the short term, this technology can increase the awareness of road workers and road users to avoid dangerous situations. In the long term, this is an excellent opportunity to get started collecting site-specific and strategic road safety information to be able to fully understand and avoid safety problems throughout the road network in the future. Andreas Bäckström, Contract engineer/Business developer at Svevia
The challenge
Road works are essential to maintaining and developing Sweden’s road network. However, these worksites present significant risks to the professionals who perform the work and the drivers who navigate these areas. A persistent issue is the high frequency of accidents at these sites. Statistics from Svevia, a major player in road maintenance, reveal that TMA (Truck Mounted Attenuator) vehicles are struck approximately every 12.6 days. This alarming frequency, supported by insurance reports and data from the Swedish Transport Administration, highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
The “Safer TMA Shutdowns During Roadworks” project, a testament to collaborative efforts, is funded by the Swedish Building Industry Development Fund (SBUF). It aims to explore the integration of advanced technology for enhanced safety during road closures. The project places a strong emphasis on:
Technology Integration: Equipping TMAs with radar, cameras, and alarm systems to monitor traffic speeds, safety zones, and unauthorized intrusions.
Data Collection: Gathering data on system performance, traffic behavior, and buffer zone breaches during field tests.
Accident Prevention: Utilizing collected data to better understand accident causes and develop preventative strategies.
Methodology
The project involved several key steps:
Equipment Selection and Installation: A TMA vehicle was chosen to install two AXIS radars and an AXIS camera, which were selected for their reliable detection and image analysis capabilities.
Field Testing: The project team conducted field tests to assess system performance in real-world scenarios. Data on traffic flow, queue formation, and buffer zone breaches was collected during these tests. This data allowed for ongoing refinement of the system’s configuration.
Data Analysis: Data collected from TMA operation and field tests was stored in a secure AWS cloud database accessible through a dedicated dashboard. This data analysis will provide insights into factors impacting safety during roadworks.
Project Evaluation: Following the completion of field tests, the project team compared the results with the initial project goals. This evaluation assessed the effectiveness of the implemented system in improving safety for road workers and motorists.
Expected Outcomes
The project anticipates the following outcomes:
Improved Safety: A significant reduction in accidents and injuries for both road workers and motorists.
Deeper Understanding: Enhanced knowledge of factors contributing to roadwork accidents, enabling the development of more effective preventative measures.
Informed Practices: Valuable insights for contractors and authorities to strengthen future safety practices during road closures.
Conclusion
The Safer TMA Shutdowns During Roadworks project demonstrates Sweden’s commitment to improving safety on its roadways. By integrating advanced technology with data analysis, this project, led by Sigma Technology Embedded Network, holds promise for a future where road closures are less hazardous for both workers and the traveling public.
