Data Fusion and Dynamic Traffic Management in Thessaloniki

By project REFOCUS

Published on 20 November 2024

Greece

Kentriki Makedonia

About this good practice

This case concerns:

• Real-time monitoring and data fusion using multiple sources (Cameras, Bluetooth, Magnetic sensors, Floating Car Data).

• Real-time activation of dynamic traffic management scenarios including multiple actions (Signal plan selection, VMS integration and C-ITS services).

• Real-time information and guidance to drivers through on-board smart devices.
• Calculation of key performance indicators for monitoring the performance of signalized intersections and specific urban corridors.

• Real-time and historic visualization of raw data and relevant key performance indicators.

The project was a collaboration between the Hellenic Institute of Transport, the Region of Central Macedonia (RCM) and three technology providers, Yunex, Swarco and SCAE. Beneficiary of this practice is RCM, as having this system allows for traffic management (and operations in emergency situations) in its territory. Drivers also benefit from the real-time information provided to them, while citizens, in general, benefit from the improvement in the traffic conditions and the subsequent reduction of CO2 emissions.

Expert opinion

This initiative from Thessaloniki is an impressive measure for urban mobility planning, integrating real-time data to monitor and manage traffic. The benefits are clear with a 7% reduction in travel times and a 5% decrease in CO₂ emissions during peak hours. The approach offers valuable insights for other regions aiming to modernise their traffic management systems, in particular on the importance of integrating diverse data sources for a holistic view of traffic conditions and the benefits of real-time responsiveness.

Simon Hunkin

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

Project budget: €1,861,862 (Public Investment Programme). The implementation team included transport and software engineers, and data analysts. Ongoing maintenance is needed as the city, infrastructure, and technology continue to evolve.

Evidence of success

The system is fully functional since 2022 in specific urban corridors in the city of Thessaloniki and allowed for the implementation of new signal plans for 125 intersections and the real-time monitoring of 10 Variable Message Signs (VMS). During the morning rush hour, we observed in these corridors:

- 8% decrease in delays in specific signalized intersections

- 7% improvement in travel times

- 5% decrease in CO2 emissions

Potential for learning or transfer

The system has multiple benefits for a regional/ local authority, as it allows for:

• automation of traffic management processes on a daily basis,

• the possibility of coordinated management by the operator in case of emergency (thus increasing the region's/ city's resilience),

• calculation of performance indicators for monitoring of signaling system performance and utilization in decision making.

Strong collaboration between stakeholders, combined with technical expertise, can achieve high-level automation that can drastically improve the overall situation in a city. The system’s architecture and technologies can easily be transferred to another city/region. In fact, the same system is also operational in the city of Ioannina.