How will the implementation of autonomous and cooperative car technology effect management, operation and safety in tunnels. And what issues have to be considered when it comes to tunnels? The purpose of starting a work with Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) station concept has been to establish a method of communicating between tunnel and vehicle using a standard platform.

An intelligent transportation system (ITS) is a technology, application or platform, that improves the quality of transportation, or achieves other outcomes based on applications that monitor, manage or enhance transportation systems.

In the context of tunnel; An ITS system contains of:

• Technical installations that is giving and receving information
• Technical installations that is controlled and perform a process
• Application (SCADA system/singel application) that is processing information to either give support to the Traffic Control Centre (TCC) and/or controlling technical installations directly.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Triona, Visiontech and Aventi are well in the process of developing ITS stations for tunnels. Such a solution allows for the adaptation of sensors in vehicles that communicate via ITS station to the public, operating personnel, ICT systems, TCC and other users/stakeholders with needs. 

It has been important to describe the desired functionality for a tunnel-based ITS station. Implement a common platform for an ITS station. Get in place ITS station for vehicle, for road edge, for TCC and start collecting and analyzing data. It is also important to test out notifications at incidents.

The project has completed full-scale system testing of the ITS station at several test roads/tunnels in Norway.  An intelligent cooperative system like this can give new measures to prevent and/or lower the consequences of incidents in tunnels. 

New technology will of course give new challenges, include business and management models, organizational challenges and privacy management including data security. 

We will ask the industry for showcases, projects and exploring of new technology that gives us a innovative look into the future of ITS in tunnels. Within management, operation and safety,  ITS is probably one of the most important development issues to be covered today, and especially when it comes to safety. Build in safety features in car is one example of technology that can be used as information and communication source when it comes to safety.