Video detection specialist Traficon has been awarded a contract to provide video image processors for traffic monitoring inside the Södra Länken and Norra Länken tunnels in Stockholm, Sweden. Traficon will provide some 763 of its VIP-T modules, which have been designed for automatic incident detection and traffic data analysis.
Field proven technology
"The safety and security aspect has always been taken very seriously with the Södra Länken and Norra Länken projects," comments Koen Soenens, sales manager at Traficon. "This is not only the case for the tunnel design and construction itself, but also holds true for the application of innovative technologies that enhance safety on a daily basis. The Traficon VIP-T is a field proven solution that has been providing safety and efficiency for roads and tunnels around the globe for many years. That is why we believe that Traficon technology is a perfect match for this project."
Traficon has a strong presence in Sweden, with recent installations of video image processors in the Lundby, Norrortsleden and Göta tunnels. In each of these projects, Traficon proved to be the preferred provider after thorough evaluation of various systems and providers. "Also for the Södra Länken and Norra Länken projects, Traficon came out as the preferred partner," comments Koen Soenens. "Moreover, our technology still managed to give a very good impression, despite the tough Swedish winter conditions in which the detectors had to be tested."
Incident detection and traffic analysis all in one
The VIP-T video image processing board provides real-time data and image information for optimal traffic control and fast, accurate incident detection. Fast DSP processors allow various algorithms (tracking, motion detection, adaptive shadow suppression, etc.) to run simultaneously on one single board. This ensures high reliability and a low false alarm rate of the video detection system. The Traficon VIP-T uses MPEG4 image compression to offer full frame rate streaming video.
Time frame
22 VIP-T video image processing modules have already been installed in the Södra Länken tunnel. In cooperation with traffic specialists Swarco Sweden and ISG Systems AB Sweden, Traficon will install another 370 modules in the course of 2012. The installation of 393 VIP-T modules for the Norra Länken tunnel is expected to start after 2012 in cooperation with ISG Systems AB Sweden for delivery to Tunnelentreprenad AB, a consortium owned by Swarco Nordic and Rolf Tannergård.
Alleviating traffic
Both Södra Länken and Norra Länken are new traffic routes that have been conceived in order to help alleviate the increasing traffic volumes in and around Stockholm. The 6 km long Södra Länken, of which 4.7 km is in tunnels, is the southern part of the Stockholm ring road and is the largest-ever road tunnel construction in Sweden. The construction of Södra Länken began in 1997 and was completed in 2004. The northern Norra Länken will be about 5 km long and the major part of it will be in underground tunnels. Construction of Norra Länken started in 2006 and is expected to be completed by 2015.
