10. March 2025
In collaboration with the Institute of Highway Engineering at RWTH Aachen University (ISAC) and Zeppelin Rental, we have published a white paper on flexible alternating traffic management. The white paper and the underlying study show how innovative traffic telematics can contribute to CO₂ reduction and traffic flow optimisation.
Challenges and solutions for modern infrastructure
In Germany, traffic jams and roadworks are a considerable burden on traffic flow. In order to minimise the associated emissions and increase road safety, remote-controlled alternating traffic management offers a flexible solution. This enables direct dynamic adjustment of the lanes to the current traffic demand.
A central case study investigated the use of this technology on the Salzbachtal Bridge (motorway 66) in comparison to conventional 3+0 traffic management. The results are impressive: the targeted traffic management system saved around 360 tonnes of CO₂ per week – the equivalent of around 17,000 trees per year.
From research to practice
The project on flexible alternating traffic management emerged from the long-standing research project ‘CO₂ reduction through congestion avoidance’. In this project, scientific methods for reducing emissions through optimised traffic routing were developed and evaluated. The resulting findings formed the basis for the study and the white paper with Zeppelin Rental and the ISAC. The results of the study will be published as a technical article in the trade journal ‘Bauingenieur’ at the beginning of April 2025.
Successful implementation in practice
Zeppelin Rental has successfully applied the findings from the research in real-life projects. As emphasised in the Zeppelin Rental press release, the use of this technology has not only significantly reduced CO₂ emissions, but also considerably improved traffic flow. Flexible alternating traffic management ensures safe and efficient traffic control, especially in roadworks areas.
Flexible alternating traffic management is emphasised as an important solution for roadworks and traffic management. It is emphasised how the optimised traffic flow not only reduces environmental pollution, but also increases safety for all road users and construction workers.
Stephan Bäumler, Zeppelin Rental GmbH: ‘Our intelligent traffic management actively contributes to reducing emissions and improving road safety. We are focussing on innovative solutions to make the infrastructure of the future more sustainable and efficient.’
The full white paper is now available for download. Find out more about the scientific findings and practical applications of this innovative technology.