National Highways Extends CGI Partnership to Unlock billions in value from Road Network Data
England’s National highways has extended its IT services contract with CGI for five years, marking a important investment in leveraging its extensive data assets to improve road user experience, enhance network efficiency, and drive smarter infrastructure management. This strategic move is central to National Highways’ ambitious Data Architecture and Engineering program, designed to transform how the association operates and delivers its critical services.
National Highways, responsible for the operation, maintenance, and advancement of England’s motorways and major A-roads, generates a massive volume of data daily. This data stream, originating from roadside sensors, CCTV networks, and sophisticated smart motorway systems, captures insights into millions of journeys across thousands of miles of roadway. The organization estimates the value of this data exceeds £60 billion, representing a largely untapped potential for innovation and optimization.
The Core of the Strategy: A Unified Data Platform
The extended partnership with CGI will focus on modernizing National Highways’ data infrastructure, culminating in the creation of a single, unified digital platform. This platform will consolidate previously disparate data sources, dramatically improving data accessibility, usability, and ultimately, its value. This isn’t simply about collecting more data; it’s about transforming raw information into actionable intelligence.
“Our data is one of our most valuable assets and plays a crucial role in how we operate and improve the network,” explains Adam Locker, Head of Data Architecture and Engineering at National Highways. “This next phase will help us use our operational data in a more meaningful and timely way, supporting better decision-making and helping us share useful information with drivers. Ultimately, we want to make journeys easier and ensure our network continues to meet the needs of road users.”
Real-World Applications: From Real-Time Traffic Updates to Predictive Maintenance
The benefits of this data-driven approach are far-reaching. National Highways plans to leverage the enhanced data platform to deliver user-focused services, including:
* Real-time Incident & Closure Information: Proactive sharing of road closure and incident data directly with popular navigation platforms like Google Maps and Waze, empowering drivers to make informed journey planning decisions and avoid congestion.
* Optimized Freight Movement: Improved data visibility will facilitate more efficient freight logistics, reducing delays and supporting the UK’s supply chain.
* Enhanced Emergency Response: Faster access to accurate data will enable quicker and more effective responses from emergency services.
* Predictive Asset Management: Building on a five-year plan unveiled in 2021, the initiative aims to utilize data and technology for predictive asset management, anticipating maintenance needs before they cause disruption. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and extends the lifespan of critical infrastructure.
* Streamlined Construction Projects: A “single source of truth” for data across all construction partners will foster better collaboration, improve project delivery, and minimize disruption to road users. Digital rehearsal tools will further enhance efficiency and safety on construction sites.
CGI’s Proven Expertise in Data Management
CGI’s selection as a continued partner underscores its established expertise in complex data strategies and its proven track record of success. The company has a 12-year relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA), where it has been instrumental in improving scientific access to vast datasets generated from Earth observation satellites.
Specifically, CGI’s work on the Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP) within ESA’s Advanced Data Access and Processing Services for Collaborative Earth Observation Ground Segment demonstrates its ability to handle and process overwhelming volumes of data, providing scientists with access to critical information about our planet.
“With CGI helping to combine and improve access to disparate data sources, National highways can significantly enhance the road experience, minimising disruption across the entire network and modernising a vital part of our transport ecosystem,” states Kevin O’Neill, Senior Vice-President at CGI.
A Future-Proofed Road Network
This extended partnership between National Highways and CGI represents a significant step towards a more bright, resilient, and user-centric road network. By unlocking the value of its data assets, National Highways is not only improving the daily commute for millions of drivers but also laying the foundation for a future-proofed transportation infrastructure that can adapt to evolving needs and challenges.This initiative positions National Highways as a leader in the submission of data science and technology within the transportation sector, setting a new standard for efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
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