SWARCO wins major long-term ASFINAG contract in traffic management

In the coming years, the Austrian motorway operator ASFINAG will upgrade and partially expand the ageing motorway guidance systems in Austria’s metropolitan areas to the latest technological standards. A central component are the so called variable message signs, which enable flexible, electronically controlled speed limits or informational text messages. Following an EU-wide tender, SWARCO FUTURIT, headquartered in Burgenland, was recently awarded the contract by ASFINAG for the delivery and servicing of these displays.

ASFINAG Executive Board Director Hartwig Hufnagl: “Intelligent traffic management is the future of our mobility strategy. We are therefore particularly pleased that the Austrian and internationally active traffic technology specialist SWARCO prevailed as the best bidder with its strong quality. This keeps value creation in Austria. These displays also score with their relatively low power consumption, which is an important criterion for us as a sustainable mobility partner.”

“I am delighted that SWARCO can continue the successful direct cooperation with ASFINAG in the field of variable message signs, which has been ongoing since 2020. This contract serves as proof of the motorway operator’s confidence in our LED variable message sign technology made in Austria, which has established global leadership in quality thanks to optical brilliance, high energy efficiency, long service life, minimized maintenance needs, and sustainable production,” explains Michael Schuch, CEO of the SWARCO Group.

In total, the framework agreement provides for up to 2,100 LED displays of various sizes to be delivered over a ten year period. Additionally, replacement parts, maintenance, service, and software services are contractually secured for 25 years. The total contract volume of the framework agreement amounts to 24 million euros.

The signs will be available from July 2026 for upcoming projects related to traffic control and harmonization—for example, in the central region of Upper Austria or on the A10 Tauern motorway. There, for the planned multifunctional transit management—an action package aimed at improving traffic flow during holiday travel—the former IG L system (“air-quality related speed limit”) will be expanded into a fully functional motorway guidance systems, and displays and sensors will be significantly increased.

The primary purpose of this traffic management technology is to optimize traffic flow, adjust speed limits before congestion occurs, and issue early warnings about accidents. The lower the speed, the more vehicles can be moved efficiently from A to B. ASFINAG can also dynamically display travel times, traffic information, and the occupancy levels of rest areas. Thus, flexible variable message signs enable effective traffic management, precise information, and enhanced traffic safety. Austria’s existing traffic control systems are up to 20 years old and feature various display technologies. In the coming years, ASFINAG will therefore renew these systems from the ground up and bring them to a unified, modern technical standard.