Tenerife Invests €13 Million in Digital Road Infrastructure Upgrade

The Cabildo of Tenerife has made a pivotal decision to invest significantly in the digital transformation of the island’s road network, marking a substantial step towards modernizing its transportation systems.

Financial Commitment to Digital Transformation

The Government Council of the Cabildo of Tenerife has approved a remarkable investment of thirteen million euros aimed at the digitalisation of the Insular Roads Centre. This ambitious initiative will also incorporate advanced Intelligent Transport Systems within the island’s tunnels and its extensive road network, which stretches over 1,200 kilometres. This project represents a comprehensive overhaul of the existing infrastructure, as emphasized by both the President of the Corporation, Rosa Dávila, and the area councillor, Dámaso Arteaga. They noted that the new contract for operation and maintenance will see an impressive increase of 227% compared to the current tender, reflecting a robust commitment to enhancing road safety and efficiency.

Guaranteeing Operational Continuity

The foundational budget for this transformative project is set at €12,970,148. This funding is crucial for ensuring the ongoing functionality of essential surveillance, security, and traffic management systems over a period of three years, with an option to extend the contract for an additional two years. This strategic investment is designed to maintain and improve the operational capabilities of the road network, ensuring that critical systems remain functional and effective in managing traffic flow and safety.

Prioritizing Road Safety Initiatives

Dávila has underscored the significance of this agreement in enhancing road safety across Tenerife. The Road Information Centre, located at the Santa Cruz Transport Interchange, plays a vital role in traffic management on the island. Its maintenance and modernization are considered essential for facilitating timely responses to incidents and for improving the overall driving experience for the thousands of users who rely on these roads daily. The investment will not only enhance safety but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient travel experience.

Adopting a Modern Management Framework

The new management model is crafted to align with both state and European regulations, focusing on making the tunnels and roads not only safer but also more efficient and sustainable. Dávila reiterated the island government’s commitment to fostering modern, connected mobility that prioritizes public interest. This multi-year investment aims to ensure stability, continuity of service, and a technological framework that meets the evolving mobility needs of Tenerife’s residents and visitors alike.

Transitioning to Advanced Digital Systems

Among the key measures to be implemented is the transition from analogue to digital systems, which includes the replacement of cameras and the installation of new information panels. This upgrade will significantly enhance direct communication with the Road Coordination Centre, thereby improving response times during incidents and ensuring the continuous operability of critical systems. The shift to digital technology is expected to streamline operations and provide real-time data that can be utilized for better decision-making in traffic management.

Enhancing Technical Expertise

The Island Councillor for Roads, Dámaso Arteaga, expressed that this new contract will substantially bolster the technical capabilities of the Cabildo. This enhancement is crucial for ensuring a safer and more modern road system that is well-equipped to handle various circumstances, including emergencies and routine traffic management. The focus on technical improvement reflects a broader strategy to adapt to the challenges of contemporary transportation needs.

Advancing Traffic Monitoring Systems

Arteaga also highlighted that the renewal of all cameras and the comprehensive enhancement of intelligent transport systems will facilitate more accurate monitoring of traffic and tunnel conditions. This upgrade is expected to directly contribute to driver safety by providing timely information about road conditions and potential hazards. The integration of advanced monitoring technologies will enable authorities to respond more effectively to incidents, thereby enhancing overall road safety.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife has approved a €13 million investment for the digitalisation of the Insular Roads Centre.
• The project includes enhancements to Intelligent Transport Systems across the island’s extensive road network.
• The base budget for the initiative is €12,970,148, ensuring critical systems’ operability for three years.
• The Road Information Centre is crucial for traffic management and safety on the island.
• The new management model adheres to state and European regulations for improved safety and efficiency.
• Transitioning from analogue to digital systems will enhance response times and monitoring capabilities.
• The investment aims to strengthen the technical capacity of the Cabildo for better road safety.