Advanced system facilitates traffic routes
In order to assist in the monitoring and management of traffic and to give information pertaining to the traffic situation Trafik Stockholm uses the National Traffic Management System (NTS), an advanced comprehensive operational support system. Monitoring of the region’s traffic equipment is executed with the aid of this system.
The system facilitates the management of:
- Information for and cooperation with authorities, media and the public.
- Management and monitoring of traffic equipment such as barriers, signs and cameras.
- Management and control of Road Assistance.
- Receiving of alarms from technical equipment and management of the service group.
- Functional support for operators.
Own broadband network for data, image and sound communication
Alongside the roads there is a multitude of technical equipment which delivers information to Trafik Stockholm, for example cameras, queue warning systems and road weather stations which among other things register the temperature of the lanes. The information is sent to the General Communication Platform (GCP), which is the Swedish Transport Administration’s own broadband network for data, image and sound communication.
All tunnels, including Södra Länken, have a host of built-in systems pertaining to, for example, control, security, telecom and traffic. All systems in the Södra Länken communicate with each other as well as with Trafik Stockholm via GCP. In the event of operational malfunctions or disruptions the local monitoring system automatically sends an alarm to Trafik Stockholm which ensures that the problem is rectified.
Surveillance of tunnels and routes
The National Traffic Management System (NTS) makes it possible for Trafik Stockholm to monitor traffic around the clock, 365 days a year. Surveillance of tunnels and traffic routes in Stockholm is carried out with the aid of cameras, sensors and detectors through filming and registering the traffic flow. With the help of cameras the traffic controller can zoom in on objects or accidents obstructing the traffic lanes in order to be able to dispatch the relevant emergency service: call Road Assistance, ambulance service, the police, close traffic lanes, reduce speed limits etc.
Moreover, all technical safety equipment such as electrical, cable, control or ventilation installations in the road network is monitored. In the event of the slightest defect in the system, for example, inaccurate values or malfunctioning technical installations, a call is made to Trafik Stockholm and the problem is rectified.
The tunnels currently being monitored are Södra Länken, Norrortsleden, Eugenia tunnel, Muskö tunnel and Klara tunnel.
Video
Along the main traffic routes, for example Essingeleden and Södra Länken, there are stationary and mobile cameras. The stationary cameras are supported by a sophisticated technology that continuously reads and analyses the images, sounding an alarm at any disruption in normal traffic pattern, for example a stationary vehicle.
These cameras fulfil an important function for the extensive surveillance of Södra Länken. The mobile cameras are Trafik Stockholm’s instrument for the confirmation of different traffic incidents, for example an automobile accident.
Technology steers the traffic flow
On the portals above the carriageways, primarily in the tunnels and on the trafficked routes, there are automatic traffic queue warning systems, activated by sensors that register the speed at which traffic is moving as well as where the queues start and end. The technology is connected to variable signs which are controlled either automatically or manually from Trafik Stockholm. Through the signs drivers are advised to slow down and/or change lanes in the event of, for example, heavy traffic or an accident. In certain cases barriers are used to control the traffic.
Information signs above the lanes
To improve journey planning for road users, variable message signs are placed above the carriageways. Trafik Stockholm updates the information with messages relating to imminent events such as ”Essingeleden closed tonight due to maintenance” or present events "Accident 3 km", "Standstill traffic 1 km".
Traffic signals
Trafik Stockholm has a surveillance system for traffic signals. If they are out of order a call is sent to the Traffic Management Centre so that action can be taken with the aid of a contracted technician. The Swedish Road Administration or the Traffic Office of the City of Stockholm is primarily responsible for repairs and maintenance.
Traffic Information Support System, TRISS
The Traffic Information Support System, or TRISS as it is colloquially known, is a database with current traffic information which is available to different partners, for example various radio stations, www.trafiken.nu and systems like RDS/TMC (onboard display or screen). TRISS enables partners to collect or receive digital information recorded and registered in the Central Technical System.
Road weather information
Several weather stations have been installed in and around Stockholm to measure the air and road surface temperature, wind velocity and atmospheric humidity. A camera is used to monitor any changes in the road conditions. This system, combined with information obtained from SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) enables Trafik Stockholm to provide highly accurate information on how and when different weather situations will affect the road conditions, and thereby traffic. The information even forms the basis for the planning of road preparations.
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