A1 Winterthur, Switzerland
A pioneering traffic management solution introducing Switzerland's first dynamic temporary hard shoulder operation - a clear case for Bergauer AG
In a nutshell
As part of the "N01/48 Ohringen–Oberwinterthur / PUN" project, a state-of-the-art traffic management system was implemented on the A1 motorway in the Winterthur area. The project introduced Switzerland's first temporary hard shoulder operation, enabling the emergency lane to be opened dynamically during periods of heavy traffic. By combining predictive traffic algorithms, speed harmonisation and hazard warning functions, the solution significantly increased motorway capacity while enhancing road safety. The implementation was completed under live traffic conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation throughout the project.
What we achieved
- First temporary hard shoulder operation implemented on a Swiss motorway
- Up to 50% more capacity by dynamically opening the hard shoulder as a third lane
- Improving motorway capacity, safety and traffic flow on one of the busiest sections of the Swiss National Highway network.
- Predictive congestion detection using real-time traffic data
- Integrated speed harmonisation and automatic hazard warning
- Wrong-way driver detection with automatic alert signalling
A deeper dive
The challenge
The A1 motorway near Winterthur is one of the country's busiest transport corridors and regularly experiences heavy traffic volumes during peak periods. Increasing capacity without constructing additional permanent lanes required an innovative approach that combined intelligent traffic management with strict safety requirements.
A key challenge was the implementation of Switzerland's first temporary hard shoulder operation based on newly introduced federal guidelines. This required the development of highly complex traffic control logic capable of continuously analysing traffic conditions and automatically determining when the hard shoulder could safely be opened to traffic.
At the same time, all installation, integration and commissioning activities had to be carried out under ongoing motorway operations, requiring careful planning, close coordination and minimal disruption to road users.
The process
SWARCO delivered the complete traffic management solution, including system engineering, installation, integration and commissioning of all roadside and central system components.
At the core of the implementation was the MyHighway Traffic Management & Guidance System, providing intelligent control of dynamic lane signalling, speed regulation and hazard warning. The system integrates traffic information collected from 35 overhead radar sensors and statistical counting stations to evaluate traffic conditions in real time and automatically activate the appropriate traffic management strategies.
The project also included the installation of new lane control signals, speed displays, hazard warning signs, variable message signs, communications infrastructure, telecontrol adaptations and emergency call facilities. Special emphasis was placed on the customised configuration of traffic control logic, graphical user interfaces, alarms and automated operational responses to ensure reliable operation under all traffic conditions.
The solution
The implemented solution combines intelligent traffic monitoring with automated control strategies to maximise both motorway capacity and safety. By continuously analysing individual vehicle speeds and traffic density, the system predicts congestion before it develops and applies dynamic speed harmonisation to stabilise traffic flow.
During periods of high demand, the temporary hard shoulder is automatically opened as an additional traffic lane, increasing the available capacity by up to 50%. Integrated hazard warning functions alert drivers to incidents ahead, while automatic wrong-way driver detection further enhances operational safety.
As Switzerland's first implementation of this type, the project established a new benchmark for intelligent motorway traffic management and has since become an important reference for subsequent temporary hard shoulder and advanced traffic management projects across the national motorway network.
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