The project is managed by GeneSYS, the consortium selected to deploy the National Roads Telecommunications Services (NRTS) on behalf of the UK Highways Agency. It will make a significant contribution to safe roads, reliable journeys and informed travellers. Implementation will begin in 2006 with completion of the core transmission network planned for the first quarter of 2007.
The UK Highways Agency currently manages and maintains 28 networks with data coming from over 11,000 roadside devices. Alcatel's installation of a single, IP-based optical backbone network will improve the transmission of various types of information - such as CCTV footage, variable messaging and electronic signalling - as well as enhance the delivery of commercial services such as emergency telephony.
Alcatel is the telecoms design authority of the GeneSYS consortium - headed by Fluor Corporation, one of the world's largest publicly owned engineering, construction and maintenance services organisations. The GeneSYS consortium - which also includes HSBC Infrastructure Fund Management, Telindus, Mott McDonald, and PEEK Traffic - will migrate the existing voice, video and data networks onto one converged solution and will be responsible for project management, construction, financing and maintenance of the project.
GeneSYS will provide, coordinate and manage the National Roads Telecommunications Services on a national basis, which will enable the motorist to benefit from new services such as Active Traffic Management or nationwide distribution of CCTV footage to Highways Agency's customers including travel information providers and navigation companies.
"Alcatel has a strong track record of implementing complex projects that harness powerful state of the art ICT solutions for the 21st century needs of the transportation sector", stated Jacques Dunogue, Executive Vice President for Alcatel. "We are proud to contribute to this smart road project, which will transform England's highway system into one of the most advanced in Europe."