Smart software for smart traffic lights

During the works at the Mechelse Poort intersection in Dendermonde, traffic chaos is avoided thanks to smart traffic lights. This is confirmed in the article published earlier this month in HLN: “Smart traffic lights prevent a traffic nightmare at the Mechelse Poort during the works: queues would otherwise have stretched beyond Zele on a daily basis.” The fact that the impact of such works can be limited is, of course, great news for local residents and workers, for businesses in the region, and for the environment.

This innovative solution was developed by Metanous for Signco Verkeerstechnieken, part of Fero Group.

For Fero Group, roadworks are core business. Thanks to Fero signage and Signco measurements, roadworks can be carried out safely. SigncoServ, the platform developed by Metanous for Ramudden Global (the international group to which Fero Group/Signco belongs), enables the management, monitoring, and control of signage. This platform is used worldwide for traffic measurements, monitoring of traffic lights, and control of VMS (Variable Message Signs), traffic lights, and more.

How is the solution in Dendermonde technically structured?

At the Mechelse Poort intersection, four traffic lights are controlled. For each arm of the intersection, the green time is determined based on traffic density measured by cameras on each arm of the junction. The measurement data from these cameras (FLIR type) is sent in real time to and processed by the SigncoServ platform. Advanced algorithms and scenarios determine the optimal green time for each of the four arms of the intersection. This optimal green time is immediately fed back into the traffic light control system. In this way, congestion is reduced as efficiently as possible. SigncoServ also visualizes the traffic situation, allowing the dynamics of traffic flows to be monitored in real time.

What are the benefits?

This setup is not only active 24/7; it also takes into account traffic conditions beyond the immediate intersection. This results in more optimized traffic flows compared to manual traffic control. Moreover, it is a much more cost-effective solution. The police services in Dendermonde are already very satisfied with this approach.

The economic return is also significant. This has been calculated: without intervention, the works at the intersection would have resulted in an economic loss of €75 million.

In addition, traffic jams generate substantial CO2 emissions. Works of the scale seen at the Mechelse Poort therefore have a considerable carbon footprint. Optimizing the traffic situation reduces this footprint, with this project achieving a reduction of approximately 175 tons of CO2 per year.

We are happy and proud that, with Metanous, we can make an impact. 😊