Gouda - Imtech N.V. (technical service provider in Europe) has been contracted by the Dutch Public Works department (in combination) for the complete technical configuration of a new regional traffic control centre to be built in Rhoon in the Netherlands. Imtech will also be responsible for then engineering and the technical solutions in the project for doubling the N31 motorway in Friesland. The two infrastructure orders represent a value of 17 million euros for Imtech.

High-tech traffic control centres are a relatively new phenomenon in the Netherlands. The objective is mobility management to manage traffic flows. Modern technology can be used to achieve the most efficient use of the busy road network, with optimum traffic circulation. Drivers are provided with traffic information via matrix boards above the motorway and via Dynamic Route Information Panels (DRIP). Information on traffic queues is forwarded to navigation systems, Internet, radio and TV via ‘traffic providers’ (e.g. road users’ association ANWB) and the police. Cameras are used to monitor the traffic flows. In the case of accidents, steps can be taken to ensure that emergency services can reach the scene as quickly as possible.

The Public Works department recently decided to build a new traffic control centre in Rhoon. Under the name VerkeersManagementCentrale Zuid-West Nederland (VMC-ZWN: traffic control centre for the south-western regions in the Netherlands), a traffic co-ordination centre will be set up in the province of Zuid-Holland for the area covering Rotterdam and the surrounding region, including all the tunnels and bridges in the Botlek and Europoort area. As an independent technical service provider, Imtech is able to combine systems from different suppliers and integrate them using its own software and hardware into a well-functioning traffic management centre.

In the VMC-ZWN, Imtech (Imtech Infra), in combination with GTI, is responsible for engineering, system integration and the implementation of the required technologies, such as control technology, transmission networks, infratechnology and the interaction with camera units and matrix boards above the motorways, including project management and installation. In recent years, Imtech has been responsible for setting up several traffic control centres for the Public Works department, including the Oudenrijn traffic control centre, the Traffic Information Centre (TIC), the modification of the Noord-Holland traffic control centre and the Botlek Region traffic control centre.

Within the winning consortium Wâldwei (Dura Vermeer Group, Ballast Nedam Infra, HBG Civiel, Dragados, Oranjewoud and Imtech Infra) Imtech is responsible for the technology for the doubling of the N31 near Leeuwarden. The Public Works department contracted out financing, design, construction and maintenance of this road section as Public-Private Partnership in co-operation with the Knowledge Centre PPS of the Ministry of Finance. The section of the N31 between Nijega and the Hemriksein will be converted into a motorway with 2 x 2 lanes, including a bridge and an aqueduct. Imtech will provide the technical installations, the road lighting system, the energy network and the systems for traffic control. After the construction, Imtech will be responsible for the maintenance and management of all technical facilities on and around the new motorway for a period of 15 years.