A big thank you to our Partners for sponsoring Smart Highways Month.
October is Smart Highways Month
Smart highways represent the future of transportation, integrating advanced electronic technologies to optimize road usage, enhance safety, and improve traffic management. These highways use sensors, cameras, and intelligent systems to monitor vehicle speeds, traffic flow, and road conditions in real-time, allowing for more efficient responses to congestion, accidents, and infrastructure maintenance needs.
By connecting with autonomous and connected vehicles, smart highways facilitate smoother, safer journeys and significantly reduce human error on the road.
The impact of smart highways extends beyond traffic management—they also play a crucial role in sustainable development. From intelligent street lighting that reduces energy consumption to dynamic road signage and automated toll systems, these technologies streamline the driver experience while lowering environmental impact.
As we embrace the digital transformation of our infrastructure, Smart Highways Month at Highways Today will explore these innovations, the challenges they pose, and the exciting potential they unlock for a safer, smarter transportation future.
Top Trends in Smart Highways
The evolution of smart highways is reshaping the transportation landscape, merging technology and infrastructure to create a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly road system.
As we move toward a future dominated by autonomous vehicles and connected cities, smart highways are at the forefront of innovation. Here are the top trends driving this transformation.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication
V2X communication is revolutionizing how vehicles interact with their environment. This technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other, with road infrastructure, and even with pedestrians.
Smart highways equipped with V2X systems can instantly relay traffic conditions, weather updates, and potential hazards, enabling cars to make informed decisions. This real-time data exchange improves safety by reducing accidents and allows for more efficient traffic flow, cutting down on congestion.
Smart Traffic Management Systems
Smart traffic management systems utilize advanced algorithms, sensors, and real-time data to optimize traffic flow. Through predictive modeling, these systems can anticipate congestion and adjust traffic lights, speed limits, and lane directions to ensure smooth movement.
Some smart highways are already employing dynamic tolling, adjusting toll prices based on traffic density to manage demand. These innovations reduce bottlenecks and delays, saving time and energy for commuters.
Intelligent Road Surface Technologies
The surface of smart highways is becoming an active player in road management. New materials and embedded sensors can monitor road conditions, detect wear and tear, and even charge electric vehicles as they drive. Self-healing materials are also emerging, designed to repair cracks and damage autonomously, reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of highways.
These smart surfaces improve safety by providing real-time feedback on road conditions and ensure a smoother driving experience.
Smart Road Studs
Smart road studs equipped with LED lighting are another exciting innovation. These studs automatically light up when it’s dark, providing better lane visibility and enhancing safety, especially during poor weather conditions. The more advanced versions of these studs can detect dangerous conditions like black ice and alert passing vehicles in real-time. Additionally, they can communicate critical road data such as the vehicle’s exact location and surface conditions, helping connected and autonomous vehicles navigate safely. These intelligent studs represent a leap forward in accident prevention and road safety management.
Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Integration
As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, smart highways are evolving to accommodate them. Dedicated lanes for self-driving cars and enhanced road markings equipped with sensors will ensure that autonomous vehicles can navigate safely and efficiently.
By integrating connected vehicle technologies with road infrastructure, smart highways will minimize human error, streamline traffic flow, and support the transition toward a driverless future.
Sustainable Smart Infrastructure
Sustainability is a core aspect of smart highway development. Many smart roads incorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels embedded in the pavement, to power street lighting and sensors. Additionally, energy-efficient LED lighting systems, combined with smart sensors, only activate when needed, reducing power consumption. Sustainable construction practices and the integration of green technologies will help smart highways contribute to lowering carbon emissions while promoting cleaner, smarter transportation solutions.
Smart highways are rapidly transforming the way we experience road travel. By leveraging technologies like V2X communication, intelligent traffic management, advanced road surfaces, smart road studs, autonomous vehicle integration, and sustainable infrastructure, these highways are setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and environmental impact.
As these trends continue to develop, the future of transportation will become increasingly connected and autonomous, ensuring safer and more efficient journeys for all.
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Leading Companies in Smart Highways
The development of smart highways is being driven by some of the most innovative companies in the world, combining expertise in infrastructure, telecommunications, and transportation technology.
These leading companies are pioneering advancements that are transforming how we travel, making roads safer, smarter, and more efficient. Below, we highlight some of the key players at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
Siemens Mobility
Siemens Mobility is a global leader in intelligent infrastructure for transport, providing cutting-edge technology to enhance road safety and traffic management. The company’s integrated solutions for smart highways include real-time traffic control systems, adaptive signalling, and dynamic tolling solutions.
Siemens Mobility is also heavily invested in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, enabling vehicles to interact with infrastructure and reducing congestion through intelligent data sharing. With its advanced solutions, Siemens is helping cities and countries across the world transition to smarter transportation systems.
Kapsch TrafficCom
Kapsch TrafficCom is at the forefront of developing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and is a key player in the creation of smart highways. The company’s portfolio includes advanced tolling systems, real-time traffic monitoring, and connected vehicle solutions that improve road efficiency.
One of its flagship projects, the Kapsch EcoTrafiX™, is an intelligent traffic management platform that uses data analytics to optimize road usage, reduce emissions, and minimize travel delays. Kapsch is heavily involved in implementing these solutions across Europe and the United States, contributing to the growing global smart highways network.
Teledyne FLIR
Teledyne FLIR is a global leader in thermal imaging and sensing technologies, and its products are increasingly used in smart highway solutions. FLIR’s thermal cameras are designed to monitor road conditions and detect incidents like accidents or the presence of pedestrians in real time, even in low-visibility conditions such as fog or darkness. By integrating FLIR’s thermal imaging with smart traffic management systems, highways can operate more safely and efficiently. FLIR’s technology is particularly valuable in enhancing traffic monitoring, ensuring both the safety of road users and optimizing traffic flow.
Cubic Transportation Systems
Cubic Transportation Systems is known for providing integrated transportation and traffic management solutions for urban and intercity roads. Their portfolio includes adaptive traffic control systems, smart tolling, and congestion pricing solutions designed to reduce road congestion and improve road safety.
Cubic has also invested heavily in smart payment systems that work seamlessly across highways, parking systems, and public transport, offering drivers a smoother travel experience. The company’s solutions are widely adopted in cities aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.
Indra
Indra is a global technology and consulting firm with a strong focus on smart infrastructure solutions, including smart highways. Its Mova Solutions platform integrates real-time data analysis, intelligent signaling, and smart lighting to create more efficient and safer road systems. Indra’s smart highway technologies also include smart tolling and traffic management systems, enhancing the efficiency of transport networks. Indra is particularly well-known for its work in Europe and Latin America, where its technologies are a crucial part of smart road infrastructure development.
Iteris
Iteris specializes in applied informatics for transportation and is a leader in smart highway systems, with a strong focus on real-time traffic data analytics. The company’s ClearMobility™ Platform leverages advanced traffic sensors, predictive algorithms, and IoT technology to optimize traffic flow and safety.
Iteris also plays a significant role in advancing V2X technology, providing critical infrastructure that enables connected and autonomous vehicles to interact with road systems. Iteris’ innovative approach has made it a key player in smart highway projects across North America.
Heijmans
Heijmans is a leading Dutch infrastructure and construction company that is making significant strides in smart highway development. Known for its work in intelligent road surface technologies, Heijmans has developed energy-efficient, solar-powered road surfaces and dynamic lane markings that light up as needed. The company is also a pioneer in developing smart road studs with LEDs that guide drivers in poor weather conditions and communicate with vehicles to provide real-time road information. Heijmans is a strong advocate for sustainability, incorporating green technologies into its highway solutions.
The companies leading the development of smart highways are driving the future of transportation, blending technological innovation with sustainable infrastructure. With the contributions of industry giants like Siemens Mobility, Kapsch TrafficCom, Cubic Transportation Systems, Indra, Iteris, and Heijmans, the promise of safer, smarter, and more efficient roads is rapidly becoming a reality.
As these companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, smart highways will become an integral part of the modern transportation ecosystem, benefiting drivers, cities, and the environment alike.
Leading Resources for Smart Highways
As smart highways continue to gain traction globally, numerous organizations, research institutions, and industry groups are providing invaluable resources that drive innovation and adoption in this field.
These resources include research reports, technical standards, best practices, and real-world case studies that guide governments, companies, and stakeholders toward implementing smarter transportation systems. Below are some of the leading resources that are shaping the future of smart highways.
Highways.Today
Highways.Today is the premier online resource offering news, insights, and updates on the latest advancements in Smart Highways, and all the associated technology. We strive to bring you on-going and comprehensive coverage including articles, case studies, and expert opinions on the latest emerging trends and best practices.
International Road Federation (IRF)
The International Road Federation (IRF) is one of the key global advocates for road infrastructure development, including smart highways. The IRF offers a wealth of resources, including research papers, technical reports, and guidelines on the latest trends in smart highway technology. Through its global conferences and webinars, the IRF promotes knowledge sharing and offers best practices in the deployment of intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is an international organization that provides professional development and technical resources related to smart highways and intelligent transportation systems. ITE offers publications, webinars, and conferences that focus on topics such as V2X communication, smart traffic management, and the integration of autonomous vehicles. ITE also publishes technical standards and guidelines that help engineers design and implement smarter, more efficient transportation networks. Its community of transportation professionals makes it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the planning and development of smart highways.
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
The NCHRP is a leading resource in the United States, dedicated to addressing key issues in highway planning, design, and operations, including the development of smart highway systems. The NCHRP funds and publishes in-depth research reports on topics like automated vehicle integration, smart traffic control systems, and road safety technologies. These research initiatives are essential for helping policymakers and engineers make informed decisions about adopting smart highway technologies. Their reports serve as a roadmap for addressing the challenges and opportunities in creating smarter, more connected roadways.
European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC)
ERTRAC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation in Europe, offering a range of strategic research reports and roadmaps related to smart highways and intelligent transportation systems. As a think tank that brings together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, ERTRAC focuses on the integration of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and smart infrastructure. Its resources help set the agenda for the future of transportation in Europe and are widely referenced by governments and organizations planning smart highway projects.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) America
ITS America is a leading resource for the advancement of intelligent transportation systems in North America. The organization offers research papers, white papers, and case studies on the latest developments in smart highway technologies. ITS America also organizes the ITS World Congress, one of the largest gatherings of transportation professionals focused on intelligent systems. The organization’s resources cover a wide array of topics, from smart traffic management and V2X technologies to cybersecurity and data sharing in connected vehicle ecosystems. ITS America’s thought leadership is instrumental in guiding smart highway projects across the U.S. and beyond.
National Highways
Highways England, now known as National Highways, is responsible for maintaining and developing the motorway network in England, and it has been a pioneer in the development of smart highways. Through its Smart Motorways Program, National Highways has released extensive reports, case studies, and guidelines on the deployment of smart road technologies, such as dynamic lane management and electronic signage. The organization’s online resources and case studies provide valuable insights into how smart highways are improving traffic management, safety, and efficiency on major road networks.
Smart Infrastructure: The Future of Roadways (World Economic Forum)
The World Economic Forum’s reports on smart infrastructure serve as critical resources for understanding the global impact of smart highways. Their white papers and insights examine the technological, regulatory, and economic factors driving the adoption of smart roadways. With a focus on collaboration between public and private sectors, WEF’s reports offer a global perspective on how smart highways can be integrated into broader smart city initiatives.
The advancement of smart highways relies on a wide array of resources that provide technical guidance, strategic insights, and real-world case studies. Organizations like the IRF, ITE, NCHRP, ERTRAC, and ITS America, along with national programs like Highways England and global thought leaders such as the World Economic Forum, are driving the future of smart transportation.
By leveraging these resources, stakeholders can stay at the forefront of smart highway innovation and contribute to building safer, more efficient, and connected road networks across the world.
Leading Events in Smart Highways
As the development of smart highways accelerates, industry events play a crucial role in bringing together experts, policymakers, and innovators to share knowledge, explore emerging technologies, and foster collaborations.
These events, ranging from global conferences to regional expos, offer insights into the future of intelligent transportation systems and smart infrastructure. Here are some of the leading events driving the smart highway conversation.
ITS World Congress
The Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress is one of the premier global events for intelligent transportation and smart highway technologies. Held annually in various international locations, this event gathers thousands of experts from across the transportation and mobility sectors to discuss the latest advancements in smart highways, V2X communication, and autonomous vehicle integration.
With a mix of keynote presentations, technical sessions, and exhibitions, the ITS World Congress provides a comprehensive platform for exploring cutting-edge innovations in smart road infrastructure and intelligent traffic management systems.
Intertraffic Amsterdam
Intertraffic Amsterdam is one of the largest and most influential events for the global traffic technology and smart highway industries. Held every two years, the event brings together professionals from sectors including road safety, traffic management, and smart mobility. With a focus on innovation, Intertraffic Amsterdam showcases the latest in connected and autonomous vehicles, smart road surfaces, and intelligent infrastructure solutions. The event features live demonstrations, interactive presentations, and networking opportunities, making it a key destination for anyone involved in the future of smart highways.
Smart Transportation & Mobility Expo
The Smart Transportation & Mobility Expo is a leading event in North America focused on the integration of smart technologies into transportation systems, including highways. The expo covers a broad spectrum of topics, from intelligent traffic management systems and connected vehicles to smart road infrastructure and data analytics. It features panel discussions, keynote addresses from industry leaders, and exhibitions from top companies in the smart transportation sector. The event serves as a critical platform for discussing how technology can be harnessed to improve road safety and efficiency in the modern transportation ecosystem.
TRA (Transport Research Arena) Conference
The Transport Research Arena (TRA) is Europe’s largest transport research and technology conference, held every two years. This event focuses on innovative research and advancements in road infrastructure, with a significant emphasis on smart highways, intelligent transport systems, and sustainable mobility.
TRA attracts transportation experts, engineers, and policymakers from around the globe, offering a forum for sharing the latest research findings and best practices in smart highway development. With its strong focus on research and innovation, TRA is a leading event for those looking to dive deep into the technical aspects of smart infrastructure.
Highways UK
Highways UK is one of the UK’s most important events dedicated to the highways and transportation sectors, with a strong focus on smart infrastructure and intelligent road systems. The event gathers key stakeholders from government agencies, private sector companies, and the construction industry to discuss the future of road networks, including smart motorways and connected vehicle infrastructure. Highways UK offers a combination of high-level presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions that cover a wide array of smart highway technologies, from automated traffic management systems to smart road materials.
Smart City Expo World Congress
Although broader in scope, the Smart City Expo World Congress is a major event where smart highways are a key part of the discussion. Held annually in Barcelona, this event focuses on smart cities and urban innovation, with significant attention on smart transportation solutions, including intelligent highways. The event brings together urban planners, technologists, and government officials to explore how smart roads can contribute to the broader smart city ecosystem. The expo features hundreds of exhibitors and offers in-depth sessions on how connected infrastructure, data analytics, and IoT can transform transportation systems.
Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo
The Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo is a leading event focused on the future of autonomous driving and connected vehicles, with a key emphasis on smart highway infrastructure. This event, held in various locations worldwide, provides a platform for exploring the interaction between autonomous vehicles and smart roads, including V2X communication, real-time traffic management, and intelligent road surfaces.
The expo features cutting-edge technologies, live demonstrations, and technical discussions on how smart highways will enable the safe and efficient deployment of autonomous vehicles.
These leading events are pivotal in shaping the future of smart highways, bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers to collaborate on the latest technological advancements. From the ITS World Congress and Intertraffic Amsterdam to more specialized events like the TRA Conference and Highways UK, these gatherings provide essential platforms for exchanging knowledge, showcasing new solutions, and building partnerships.
As smart highways continue to evolve, these events will play a critical role in driving forward the innovations that are transforming our transportation networks.
Leading Training and Certification for Smart Highways
As the demand for smart highways continues to grow, so too does the need for professionals equipped with the skills to design, implement, and manage these advanced transportation systems.
Training and certification programs provide essential knowledge on intelligent transportation systems (ITS), V2X communication, smart infrastructure design, and other technologies critical to smart highways. Below are some of the leading training and certification programs that can help professionals stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
International Road Federation (IRF) Certification Programs
The International Road Federation (IRF) offers a range of certification programs designed to train professionals in various aspects of road infrastructure, including smart highways. Their Certified ITS Specialist program focuses on intelligent transportation systems and their application in modern road networks. This certification equips professionals with the skills needed to design and implement smart highway solutions such as real-time traffic management and V2X communication. The IRF also offers courses on road safety audits and smart infrastructure development, helping professionals stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and standards in the field.
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Professional Development
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) offers a comprehensive range of professional development opportunities, including certifications, webinars, and in-depth training programs. One of their most popular certifications is the Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE), which focuses on traffic management, an integral component of smart highways.
Additionally, ITE provides specialized training on topics like V2X technology, connected and autonomous vehicles, and smart traffic systems. These programs are designed for engineers and planners who are working on the forefront of smart transportation technologies.
ITS America Training and Certification
ITS America offers professional development programs tailored to individuals looking to advance their knowledge in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and smart highway technologies. Their training modules cover a wide array of topics, including V2X communication, data management, cybersecurity for connected vehicles, and smart infrastructure implementation. The ITS Professional Certification ensures that participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to design and manage intelligent transportation solutions, making it a valuable asset for anyone involved in smart highway projects.
Traffic Technology Today – Webinars and Online Training
Traffic Technology Today is a leading online platform that provides a wealth of resources, including webinars, training sessions, and certifications related to smart highways and intelligent transportation. Their webinars are presented by industry leaders and focus on current trends such as autonomous vehicle integration, intelligent traffic management, and real-time data applications in road systems.
Although the platform doesn’t offer formal certification, it provides excellent training opportunities for professionals to stay updated on cutting-edge smart highway technologies.
TRB (Transportation Research Board) Training and Workshops
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) offers a variety of workshops, training programs, and seminars that are highly relevant to smart highway development. TRB’s programs, often held in conjunction with events like the TRB Annual Meeting, cover everything from the technical aspects of ITS to the policy considerations for deploying smart road systems. Their training programs are a vital resource for government officials, engineers, and researchers looking to improve their understanding of smart highway technologies and policies.
National Highway Institute (NHI) – ITS and Smart Road Training
The National Highway Institute (NHI), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, offers specialized training programs in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and smart infrastructure. NHI’s courses focus on smart traffic management, connected vehicle infrastructure, and the integration of emerging technologies in highway systems.
Their ITS Deployment Analysis course, for example, teaches professionals how to plan, design, and implement ITS solutions on highways, making it an essential resource for engineers and planners working in smart highway projects. NHI also offers e-learning modules that provide flexibility for professionals seeking to upskill on their own time.
Cubic Transportation Systems – Smart Mobility Training
Cubic Transportation Systems, a leader in smart mobility solutions, offers training programs that focus on the integration of smart highway technologies into broader transportation networks. Their courses cover advanced traffic management, connected vehicle infrastructure, and real-time data systems that power smart highways. While Cubic’s training programs are often tailored for their clients, they provide essential insights for professionals involved in smart road infrastructure, making them a valuable resource for engineers, city planners, and project managers.
As smart highways continue to evolve, the need for specialized training and certification has never been greater. Organizations like the International Road Federation, Institute of Transportation Engineers, and ITS America offer a range of certification programs designed to equip professionals with the skills they need to lead smart highway projects.
Additionally, platforms like Traffic Technology Today, the National Highway Institute, and Cubic Transportation Systems provide excellent opportunities for ongoing learning and development. These programs not only help professionals stay current with emerging technologies but also ensure that smart highway systems are designed and managed to the highest standards.
The Road Ahead For A Smarter Future
As we reflect on Smart Highways Month, it’s clear that the future of transportation is rapidly evolving, driven by groundbreaking innovations in intelligent infrastructure, communication technologies, and sustainable design. Smart highways are no longer just a concept—they are becoming a reality, transforming how we travel and manage our road networks. From V2X communication and intelligent road surfaces to autonomous vehicle integration and dynamic traffic management, the advancements being made today will lead to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation systems tomorrow.
The companies, resources, events, and training opportunities discussed throughout the month highlight the critical role of collaboration and continuous learning in driving this evolution. As stakeholders from governments, industries, and research institutions come together to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by smart highways, we can expect to see these technologies play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of global transportation. The road ahead is bright, and as the world moves toward smarter, greener, and more connected highways, the journey promises to be transformative for all.
