Smart Roads of the Future

Alan Wood & Partners www.alanwood.co.uk SMART ROADS OF THE FUTURE With ever-expanding traffic, congestion and pollution, building smarter roads for the future is becoming increasingly necessary. 'Smart Motorways' are the efficient and sustainable roads of the future, with new and improved technology. Here is a basic diagram of a "Traditional Motorway' Tarmac Embankment Topping Base Sub Grade Here is a basic diagram of what a 'Smart Motorway' could look like in the future. 30 30 SLOW DOWN 1 1 Photovoltaic System Motion By using solar panels, sunlight Sensored Lighting is absorbed by the panels and Visual signs are instantly created stored as energy in batteries. to warn motorists of possible danger by detecting motion such as animals running into When harsh weather causes the roads to freeze over, the energy will be used to heat the surface the road. and melt the ice. Inductive Electroluminescent Charging Lane Electric vehicles will be charged Paint These markings could be used through electromagnetic to make motorists aware of the induction. This can be done by different weather conditions. placing a coil of wire on the road They could also be used to to conduct electricity over to a replace road markings. receiver on the car. This will generate a magnetic field and charge up the car. Piezoelectric Wireless Sensors Energy Harvesting Sensors can help monitor This type of technology will allow the energy of running cars to be weight load and traffic flow of vehicles, allowing more control converted into electricity. This renewable source of energy and management of motorways. Wireless Sensors can also be could be used to replace fossil used as a means for collecting fuel in streetlight applications. data to plan for the future of smarter roads. At Alan Wood & Partners, our Road Design Specialists provide our clients with necessary guidance and information about the impact a proposed development may have on the road network. We have capabilities in areas such as traffic surveys, junction design, highway adoption and many more. Visit www.alanwood.co.uk to find out more. Alan Wood & Partners have seven offices across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region - Hull, Leeds, Lincoln, London, Scarborough, Sheffield and York. Established in Hull in the 1960's, Alan Wood & Partners provide a comprehensive range of engineering services to the construction industry. Alan Wood & Partners Alan Wood & Partners are proud to deliver outstanding customer care, delivered by specialist teams, with the skills and experience required.