N.C. Turnpike Authority Partners with Valerann to Pilot Lanternn on I-485 Express Lanes
31 March 2026 | Raleigh/London - The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA), in partnership with Valerann, is launching a pilot of Lanternn by Valerann™ on the I‑485 Express Lanes in Charlotte, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to innovation, roadway safety, and future-ready transportation operations. The initiative aims to enhance real-time awareness of roadway conditions and support operators in maintaining safe, efficient travel along one of the region’s most active corridors.
The pilot focuses on identifying roadway impacts such as crashes, stopped or slowed vehicles, pedestrians on the roadway, wrong-way drivers, and other abnormal conditions that disrupt traffic flow. Lanternn gathers and analyzes real-time data from NCTA’s existing traffic camera network, navigation platforms, and additional third-party sources. This automated approach detects incidents earlier, verifies them faster, and reduces reliance on continuous manual camera monitoring. Today, operators must scan multiple camera feeds to spot potential issues; Lanternn accelerates this process and improves accuracy by automatically identifying potential or verified impacts. For example, if traffic begins to slow, the platform proactively searches for contributing factors and delivers earlier alerts to operators.
“This pilot on the I-485 Express Lanes reflects our commitment to practical, innovative solutions that improve visibility along the corridor, strengthen roadway safety, and help our operations teams respond quickly to incidents while keeping traffic moving efficiently,” said J.J. Eden, Executive Director of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority.
Lanternn by Valerann™ is an AI-enabled cloud platform currently used by roadway operators across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Its deployments have earned multiple industry recognitions, including awards from IBTTA, the European Commission, Intertraffic Amsterdam and CES for advancements in intelligent transportation technologies.
About the North Carolina Turnpike Authority
The NCTA supports NCDOT by studying, planning, developing, operating, and maintaining toll facilities across the state. North Carolina was the first state in the nation to implement all-electronic tolling statewide. Learn more at ncdot.gov/turnpike.
About Valerann
Valerann is a global leader in advanced traffic management solutions. Its AI-driven technologies provide real-time situational awareness, risk profiling, and faster impact detection to support safer, more efficient travel. Learn more at www.valerann.com.
UK–Ghana Study Tour Strengthens Partnership on Roads and Future Transport Systems
Senior officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH) have concluded a weeklong study tour to the United Kingdom, focused on strengthening institutional capacity in road asset management, road safety, and future transport systems.
The study tour, held from 16th - 20th March 2026, brought together political and technical leadership from Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH), the Ghana Highway Authority, the Department of Urban Roads, and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). A central component of the visit was a four-day programme delivered by TRL at its Woolwich Living Lab, where delegates engaged directly with cutting-edge research, innovation, and real-world transport solutions.
TRL’s Living Lab provided an immersive environment for knowledge exchange on road asset management, the Safe System approach to road safety, and the application of data-driven and digital tools to improve network performance. Through a mix of technical sessions, demonstrations, and collaborative discussions, delegates explored how innovation can support safer, more resilient, and future-ready transport systems.
Beyond TRL, the wider programme enabled engagement with UK transport institutions, delivery bodies, academia, and industry partners, offering practical insights into the planning, operation, and maintenance of road networks. This included operational site visits focused on motorway management and toll road operations, with engagement alongside National Highways on the M25 and a visit to the M6 Toll to understand UK approaches to safety, maintenance, and customer experience.
A key moment of the tour was a Business and Industry Roundtable, bringing together Ghanaian officials, UK delivery bodies, financiers, and private sector partners. Discussions focused on Ghana’s transport priorities and explored opportunities for collaboration, investment, and knowledge sharing.
The study tour highlights TRL’s role at the forefront of transport research and innovation, and its commitment to supporting international partners through practical, evidence-led solutions. It also reflects the UK’s broader growth partnership with Ghana, centred on technical collaboration, institutional strengthening, and long-term support for the development of safer, more efficient, and future-ready transport systems.
Speaking at the close of the visit, Hon. Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, said:
“This study tour has been genuinely valuable, and it’s clear that many of the mobility challenges we face in Accra and Kumasi are shared in cities like London. We have seen practical approaches to road safety, asset management and managing works on busy corridors that we can adapt in Ghana. A key takeaway is the opportunity to revitalise the Ministry’s Koforidua Training Centre to help close skills gaps and strengthen delivery across the road sector.”
The British High Commissioner to Ghana H.E. Dr. Christian Rogg said:
“This visit demonstrates the strength of the UK–Ghana partnership and our shared commitment to building safer, more resilient transport systems. Through technical collaboration, leadership-level engagement and knowledge exchange, the UK is proud to support Ghana’s transport ambitions as a long-term partner.”
Colin Broadwood, TRL’s Head of Assets and Climate said:
“We were honoured to host senior officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways under the FCDO GCIEP programme for four days at Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)’s Living Lab in Woolwich, London. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to share TRL’s expertise in transport research, innovation and evidence-led approaches to road safety, asset management and future mobility systems. Engaging directly with the delegation allowed us to exchange insights on the practical challenges and opportunities facing transport networks, and to explore how data, research and collaboration can support more resilient and efficient road systems. We are proud to contribute to this important UK-Ghana partnership and look forward to continuing to support the development of safer, future-ready transport systems in Ghana.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The study tour was organised under the Green Cities Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP), in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The programme focused on institutional learning, knowledge exchange and partnership building and does not constitute funding or procurement announcements.
Second successful project in Scotland within months: ecopals accelerates sustainable road construction with recycled plastic asphalt additive
- EcoFlakes PRO, a high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics, was applied in a second project in North Lanarkshire, following the convincing performance of the first site in Scotland just months earlier.
- The second project in Strathclyde Country Park incorporated EcoFlakes modified asphalt utilizing Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology for additional energy and emissions savings.
- By continuing the use of this technology, the council and its partners are accelerating the transition toward sustainable, low-carbon road construction.
- The underlying technology was developed by German company ecopals in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology.
Motherwell, SCO / Berlin, GER (March 19th 2026) – Just months after completing the United Kingdom’s first-ever EcoFlakes project in Motherwell, Scotland, ecopals has successfully delivered a second project in the area of North Lanarkshire Council. A section in Strathclyde Country Park has now been upgraded with EcoFlakes PRO, the company’s high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics. The rapid follow-up project reflects the strong performance and positive reception of the initial trial and marks a significant step forward in the deployment of sustainable road materials across the UK.
In Strathclyde Country Park, EcoFlakes PRO was applied in combination with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), a method that reduces mixing and laying temperatures, further lowering energy consumption and on-site emissions compared to conventional hot mix processes. By incorporating recycled plastics into the mix, EcoFlakes reduce the dependence on costly virgin polymers derived from crude oil, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional asphalt while enhancing pavement durability.
Since 2021, ecopals has grown its project portfolio across Europe and Eurasia, delivering proven additive technology at scale. The company is now rapidly expanding its footprint in the United Kingdom, supported by a strong network of industrial partners.
The foundational recycling process was developed by ecopals together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Germany. Through a multi-stage process, recycled plastic is refined for use in asphalt. This not only improves the thermal stability and long-term durability of the asphalt mixture but also ensures that a previously underutilised material re-enters a sustainable cycle, contributing to both the circular economy and the decarbonisation of road infrastructure.
Jonas Varga, Managing Partner, ecopals: “We are thrilled to see our technology being applied for the second time in Scotland so shortly after the first trial. With several projects already in the pipeline, this rapid succession is a clear signal that the performance of the asphalt has convinced our partners. By using EcoFlakes PRO in combination with WMA, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint but also delivering a more durable and resilient pavement. We are very grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued trust and for leading the way in sustainable infrastructure.”
Scott Walker, Roads & Asset Services Manager, North Lanarkshire Council: “The use of EcoFlakes PRO at Strathclyde Country Park is part of our work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads to reduce the carbon footprint of the roads network. Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low-carbon materials in live road maintenance environments, helping address technical, behavioural and market barriers that have slowed adoption across the highways sector. We will work with ecopals to monitor and evaluate the road surface over time to assess how it performs, and the data will be shared with partners across the UK.”
Simon Arnold, Schemes Manager (North), HOCHTIEF Operations UK & Ireland: “The team were impressed with the materials, which were, in some instances, more workable than conventional, equivalent materials. The laying characteristics of EcoFlakes were comparable to locally available and widely used conventional materials, where from a laying perspective the team would have no hesitation in using the material in its current form.“
Andy Bowers, Business Development Manager Roads, ACI Group: “Myself and the ACI Group were delighted to play our part in the successful project in Strathclyde for North Lanarkshire using the EcoFlakes PRO material. It's clear that the UK highways industry is actively searching for practical and high-performance materials that deliver both long lasting results and meaningful carbon reduction on the network. What we have seen again in this project is a practical demonstration of how EcoFlakes materials can deliver what is needed in asphalt performance and modern-day requirements. By integrating recycled polymers into asphalt including Warm Mix options, we are helping the network adopt materials that are not only more sustainable but also engineered for long term durability & performance. It's exciting to support councils and contractors who are ready to lead the shift towards lower carbon, high performance and future proof road construction across the UK & Ireland.“
About ecopals
ecopals is a Berlin-based manufacturer of sustainable road construction materials. The company’s mission is to make the recycling industry a cornerstone of modern infrastructure. Its product, EcoFlakes, is a high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastic. By replacing virgin polymers and parts of bitumen, EcoFlakes extend asphalt lifespan and reduce the carbon footprint of road construction by up to 20%. ecopals aims to unlock new innovation potential by bridging expertise across industries and disciplines.
www.ecopals.de
Press contact
Arianna Elsässer
arianna.elsaesser@fph.berlin
+49 170 2882433
Ecopals Accelerates Sustainable Road Construction with Recycled Plastic Asphalt Additive
Article written by Kevin Borras | Originally published by Highways News
Just months after completing the United Kingdom’s first-ever EcoFlakes project in Motherwell, ecopals has successfully delivered a second project in the area of North Lanarkshire Council.
A section in Strathclyde Country Park has now been upgraded with EcoFlakes PRO, the company’s high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics. The rapid follow-up project reflects the strong performance and positive reception of the initial trial and marks a significant step forward in the deployment of sustainable road materials across the UK.
In Strathclyde Country Park, EcoFlakes PRO was applied in combination with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), a method that reduces mixing and laying temperatures, further lowering energy consumption and on-site emissions compared to conventional hot mix processes. By incorporating recycled plastics into the mix, EcoFlakes reduce the dependence on costly virgin polymers derived from crude oil, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional asphalt while enhancing pavement durability.
Since 2021, ecopals has grown its project portfolio across Europe and Eurasia, delivering proven additive technology at scale. The company is now rapidly expanding its footprint in the United Kingdom, supported by a strong network of industrial partners. The foundational recycling process was developed by ecopals together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Germany. Through a multi-stage process, recycled plastic is refined for use in asphalt. This not only improves the thermal stability and long-term durability of the asphalt mixture but also ensures that a previously under-utilised material re-enters a sustainable cycle, contributing to both the circular economy and the decarbonisation of road infrastructure.
Jonas Varga, Managing Partner, ecopals:
“We are thrilled to see our technology being applied for the second time in Scotland so shortly after the first trial. With several projects already in the pipeline, this rapid succession is a clear signal that the performance of the asphalt has convinced our partners.
“By using EcoFlakes PRO in combination with WMA, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint but also delivering a more durable and resilient pavement. We are very grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued trust and for leading the way in sustainable infrastructure.”
Scott Walker, Roads & Asset Services Manager, North Lanarkshire Council:
“The use of EcoFlakes PRO at Strathclyde Country Park is part of our work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads to reduce the carbon footprint of the roads network. Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low-carbon materials in live road maintenance environments, helping address technical, behavioural and market barriers that have slowed adoption across the highways sector. We will work with ecopals to monitor and evaluate the road surface over time to assess how it performs, and the data will be shared with partners across the UK.”
ecopals was named winner of the IRF 2025 Start-Up Label.
EcoFlakes PRO, recycled plastic asphalt trialled at Motherwell park
Article written by Beth Oliver | Originally published by Glasgow Times
A section of Strathclyde Country Park has been resurfaced using EcoFlakes PRO, an asphalt additive made from recycled plastics, as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s push to cut carbon emissions.
The material, developed by German company ecopals and used in just the second project of its kind in the UK, follows a successful trial in Motherwell just months earlier.
Jonas Varga, managing partner at ecopals, said: "We are thrilled to see our technology being applied for the second time in Scotland so shortly after the first trial.
"With several projects already in the pipeline, this rapid succession is a clear signal that the performance of the asphalt has convinced our partners."
EcoFlakes PRO reduces the need for virgin polymers and can cut CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared to standard asphalt. The scheme also used warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology, which lowers the temperature required for mixing and laying, further reducing energy demands.
Jonas said: "By using EcoFlakes PRO in combination with WMA, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint but also delivering a more durable and resilient pavement.
"We are very grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued trust and for leading the way in sustainable infrastructure."
The technology was developed in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology and supports the council’s work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads.
Scott Walker, roads and asset services manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The use of EcoFlakes PRO at Strathclyde Country Park is part of our work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads to reduce the carbon footprint of the roads network.
"Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low-carbon materials in live road maintenance environments, helping address technical, behavioural, and market barriers that have slowed adoption across the highways sector.
"We will work with ecopals to monitor and evaluate the road surface over time to assess how it performs, and the data will be shared with partners across the UK.”
Simon Arnold, schemes manager (North) at HOCHTIEF Operations UK & Ireland, also praised the material’s ease of use. He said: "The team were impressed with the materials, which were, in some instances, more workable than conventional, equivalent materials.
"The laying characteristics of EcoFlakes were comparable to locally available and widely used conventional materials, where, from a laying perspective, the team would have no hesitation in using the material in its current form."
ecopals was named winner of the IRF 2025 Start-Up Label.
IRF Joins Launch of WWF Greening Transportation Infrastructure Development (GRID) Integrated Program
Alice Yiu, Head of Advocacy and Outreach at the International Road Federation (IRF), joined a panel to mark the launch of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Greening Transportation Infrastructure Development (GRID) Integrated Program – a major new initiative to help ensure the world’s rapidly expanding transportation systems work for both people and nature.
Transport and biodiversity are often approached through different lenses, with their own methods, metrics and decision-making processes. Bridging these perspectives will be essential as infrastructure systems continue to expand.
This calls for bringing biodiversity considerations earlier into planning and connecting them more directly to how projects are designed, appraised and delivered. It also means demonstrating how nature-based solutions can support outcomes that matter for transport systems, including safety, resilience and long-term performance.
The launch comes at a critical moment to better align transportation infrastructure with the needs of people and nature.
Read the insights from the GRID Launch Event, originally published by GRID:
On March 12, 2026, GRID convened a diverse group of stakeholders in Washington, DC, and online to explore how to advance ecologically sustainable and climate-resilient approaches to transportation infrastructure.
The event marked the official launch of GRID, a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded program led by World Wildlife Fund, implemented in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and UN Environment Programme, and executed by national-level governments and partners in its five national projects in Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Suriname, and Ukraine. The program will develop a knowledge hub for compiling and sharing data and resources, connecting experts, creating and disseminating tools and training, and fostering research.
Five Takeaways From the Discussion
Here are the key themes that stood out at the event.
1. We’re at an inflection point.
The development of transportation infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports is accelerating, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Against the backdrop of accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss, these trends underscore a simple reality: business-as-usual approaches to infrastructure planning and design are no longer sufficient. This is an opportunity for governments, engineers, planners, civil society, financiers, and other key infrastructure practitioners to work together to positively shape communities and ecosystems in the decades to come.
2. The biggest leverage point is upstream.
The greatest opportunity for impact occurs long before construction begins. Too often, biodiversity enters the conversation too late—after plans are set, financing is secured, and environmental harm is locked in. With the right policies, planning tools, and financing in place, countries can design transportation systems that work for both people and nature.
3. Nature and people thrive together.
Species are integral parts of ecosystems, serving essential functions such as pollination and the dispersal of seeds and nutrients. They also provide benefits to communities, including nutrition, tourism, legal trade, and cultural and religious importance. Without ecological connectivity and thriving species, ecosystems cannot provide critical services such as clean air and water, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. Allowing animals to move safely also improves public safety, including reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions on roads and lowering the risk of zoonotic diseases. When we consider nature in infrastructure development, both people and nature thrive.
4. Data will make a difference.
Reliable, accessible data are fundamental to better infrastructure decisions and policymaking. Information mapping species’ movements, infrastructure assets, and key ecosystem resources allows planners to identify opportunities and constraints. While a lot of great data exist, there are still gaps to fill.
5. Collaboration is the key to moving forward.
The infrastructure sector involves a wide range of stakeholders, from engineers and planners to biologists and NGOs to insurers and financiers to local communities. By working together, we can fill knowledge gaps and drive intelligent, informed solutions.
More Insights
Watch the full recorded livestream for more insights from a panel discussion and remarks by GRID partners.
Check out some key quotes from our speakers and panelists:
“We want contractors, engineers, the entire society to think green in all policies, taking environment into account as early as possible in the design phase of each project.” — His Excellency Stephen Tsang, Minister of Public Works and Spatial Planning, Suriname
“GRID comes at an extremely important moment. It’s essential to support countries that are trying to scale up infrastructure in a way that does not undermine natural assets and their [global] commitments.” — Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary, Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
“By integrating climate resilience and biodiversity considerations from the very outset, countries can pursue development pathways that are both economically transformative and nature positive.” — Claude Gascon, Interim CEO and Director of Strategy and Operations, GEF
“We need to continue to engage sector stakeholders at the earliest stages of the infrastructure lifecycle, long before construction begins, to ensure that the policies, the design, and the financing are aligned around shared, nature-positive objectives ... And that is the fundamental objective of the GRID program: to shift global norms and to develop new approaches to delivering infrastructure.” — Nik Sekhran, Chief Conservation Officer, WWF-US
“When we talk about the planning processes, about the ministries of transport, the ministries of environment talking together as they do the upstream work for this work, that's really what we should be about, getting those things right.” — Samuel Tumiwa, Representative, North America, Asian Development Bank
“We need to work together with the transportation authorities to help them to find the better roads to reduce the cost. Because we believe that if you consider the ecosystem services, the cost will be much less by just designing a much more nature-friendly design.” — Ersin Esen, Programme Manager, UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
“There is a massive opportunity to reimagine infrastructure as a catalyst for nature recovery, nature enhancement, and really kind of bringing the [engineering] profession along with us.” — Savina Carluccio, Executive Director, International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure
“We really need to move towards this very integrated, systemic thinking and planning, changing the decision sequence in the process.” — Alice Yiu, Head of Advocacy and Outreach, International Road Federation
“Through collaboration and partnership with diverse stakeholders working across the infrastructure life cycle, the six-year program will help advance the transition towards sustainable transportation infrastructure that safeguards and enhances key coastal, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.” — Evan Freund, Senior Director, Sustainable Infrastructure, Forests, WWF-US; Program Manager, GRID
IRF at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026: From Dialogue to Delivery
The International Road Federation (IRF) marked a strong and multi-faceted presence at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026, contributing to the event as a convenor of constructive dialogue, a provider of practical knowledge, and a platform for member engagement.
Across several days, IRF-led activities reflected a consistent objective: to translate challenges in road safety, sustainability and mobility into actionable solutions grounded in real-world implementation and cutting-edge solutions.
A Member-Led Programme on the Road Safety Stage
At the heart of IRF’s presence was a series of panels and technical sessions bringing together public authorities, industry leaders and research institutions. These sessions addressed a wide range of priority topics, including:
- Data-driven road safety management and impact assessment
- Protection of vulnerable road users through infrastructure and technology
- Connected infrastructure and the future of cooperative mobility
- Innovative approaches to enforcement and behaviour monitoring
- Sustainable road design and lifecycle management
- Future road funding models
A defining feature of the programme was its member-led format, ensuring that discussions were anchored in operational experience and cross-sector collaboration.
Master Classes Bridging Road Safety Knowledge and Practice
Complementing the panel programme, IRF delivered a series of high-level Master Classes led by IRF Lead Trainer Miguel-Angel Serrano Santos, focusing on critical aspects of road safety management. These sessions provided participants with practical guidance on:
- Best practice approaches to Road Safety Audits
- The design, selection and maintenance of road safety systems
- Safe work zone management
Grounded in established standards and field experience, the Master Classes reinforced IRF’s commitment to capacity building and the dissemination of applied knowledge, and are available through instructor-led training programmes.
A Platform for Engagement and Partnership
Beyond the formal programme, IRF maintained an active presence across the exhibition through two booths, which served as focal points for engagement with members, partners and new stakeholders.
This presence was further extended through:
- A technical tour of member booths, highlighting innovative solutions and facilitating peer exchange
- Continuous bilateral meetings and networking throughout the event
- The onboarding of new members, reflecting sustained interest in IRF’s international platform
Finally, this edition of Intertraffic was marked by even more opportunities to advance strategic conversations within the community, thanks to the announcement of a unification process between IRF and the European Union Road Federation (ERF).
Sustaining Momentum
Across all activities, a common thread emerged: the need to connect strategy with delivery, and dialogue with measurable impact.
These conversations will continue at the IRF 2026 Annual Conference, to be held from 16–18 November in Geneva, where the IRF will further build on the momentum generated in Amsterdam.
iEXODDUS Showcases the Role of Connected Infrastructure in Road Safety at Intertraffic Amsterdam
On 11 March 2026, the iEXODDUS project was presented at Intertraffic Amsterdam during the session “Connected Infrastructure and Vehicles: The Next Frontier in Road Safety”, held at the Road Safety Stage. The session brought together experts from European research initiatives and industry to discuss how connected vehicles and smart infrastructure are reshaping road safety and enabling more responsive transportation systems.
Moderated by Brendan Halleman, Senior Advisor at the International Road Federation (IRF), the session featured contributions from several initiatives working on connected and cooperative mobility, including EvoRoads, iEXODDUS, PoDIUM, and Miovision. Speakers explored real-world applications of connected infrastructure, the challenges associated with implementation, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing safer mobility systems.
Representing the project, Iona Kirkpatrick, EU Project Manager at the International Road Federation, presented the iEXODDUS project and its work on extending the Operational Design Domains (ODDs) of automated vehicles. The presentation explored how connected infrastructure and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication can support automated vehicles in navigating complex environments where automation still faces limitations in GNSS-denied areas such as tunnels, road works, or incident zones. By improving localisation, infrastructure sensors, and connectivity, iEXODDUS aims to reduce the need for driver takeovers and enable safer automated driving under challenging road conditions.
Are the safety benefits of connected mobility reaching all road users?
During the panel discussion, Iona Kirkpatrick highlighted the growing evidence that connected infrastructure and V2X systems can contribute to improved road safety outcomes, particularly by supporting the extension of Operational Design Domains and reducing the need for handovers between automated systems and human drivers in complex environments. At the same time, she noted that these benefits are currently largely concentrated in highly automated vehicles available in specific market segments, meaning they are not yet evenly distributed across all road users.
Looking ahead, she emphasised the importance of ensuring that the technologies being developed — including those explored in iEXODDUS — are also implemented, in the future, in public transport vehicles, helping to ensure broader sections of society benefit from the safety improvements evidenced by connected mobility.
Kyrgyz Republic approves new Safe and Inclusive Road Design Guidance
Article originally published by the Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport (EASST)
In February 2026, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic formally approved the use of our new Road Safety Design Guidance through Ministerial Order No. 43.
The guidance was developed by Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport (EASST), International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), the International Road Federation (IRF) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) as part of a UN Road Safety Fund project supporting safe and inclusive road design across Central Asia.
In Kyrgyzstan, as in much of the region, the rapid expansion of international transport corridors has often outpaced the implementation of modern road safety design. Traditional engineering approaches have tended to prioritise vehicle movement, frequently overlooking the needs of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and communities living alongside high-speed roads.
The Safe and Inclusive Road Design in Central Asia project aimed to address this gap by providing engineers and infrastructure planners with practical tools to design roads that are safer for all users.
Developed by international road safety expert Paul Disney and finalised in June 2025, the guidance offers a practical framework for reducing road injuries through:
- Safe System principles, aligning road infrastructure with the local technical regulations such as GOST-SNiP standards.
- Inclusive design approaches, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable road users during the construction and rehabilitation of international roads.
- Standardised safety practices, promoting consistent approaches across the design, construction and operation of highways.
Following the completion of the project, EASST’s national partner, Public Association ‘Road Safety’, supported the document through a comprehensive review process with specialists from the Ministry and the Design and Survey Institute.
Speaking at the closing event of the project in June 2025, Ulanbek Sultanov of the Ministry of Transport and Communications said:
“The recommendations don't just give general safety criteria, but provide detailed examples of how to solve specific issues. This makes the work much easier for designers when making decisions. The recommendations are very well-prepared… We will definitely recommend these materials to other design companies in Kyrgyzstan and to universities that train our future personnel."
Despite administrative changes and leadership transitions within the Ministry, ‘Road Safety’ maintained progress through technical seminars and direct consultations. This sustained engagement ensured the guidance was recognised not simply as another report, but as a practical solution supporting Kyrgyzstan’s national road safety priorities. The Ministry’s Department of Control and Supervision has now been tasked with ensuring that all relevant structural divisions are trained in the new requirements.
By adopting these guidelines as official policy, the Kyrgyz Republic is setting an important precedent for the region, demonstrating how technical expertise, partnership and political commitment can help transform road design and ultimately save lives.
IRF Contributes to Global Dialogue on Monitoring the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport
Geneva, Switzerland | The International Road Federation (IRF), represented by Julia Funk, Head of Data, Programmes and Knowledge, participated in the SLOCAT–UNECE Monitoring and Tracking Workshop for the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, held at the Palais des Nations.
The event brought together government representatives, UN agencies, development banks, research institutions and civil society to address a central question: How can the world effectively track progress on sustainable transport between now and 2030?
Why Monitoring Matters: Setting the Stage
Discussions opened with an examination of why monitoring is essential to the UN Decade. Participants reviewed existing frameworks and took stock of current global indicators.
IRF highlighted that monitoring should function more as a governance tool versus a reporting exercise. The Decade’s Implementation Plan emphasises improved data collection, analysis and use. For IRF, the purpose of monitoring is to help governments assess whether transport systems are becoming more inclusive, safer, lower-carbon, more resilient and more efficient and not simply whether infrastructure has been delivered.
Drawing on IRF’s long-standing experience with the World Road Statistics (WRS), the organisation noted that the most effective monitoring systems rely on continuity of data over time and harmonised definitions. Countries engage more actively when indicators are linked to policy levers, budgeting and investment frameworks. A well-designed monitoring system should therefore support benchmarking, mid-term assessment ahead of the Decade’s 2030 milestone and practical course corrections.
What Should Be Measured?
The second session focused on identifying priority areas for monitoring. IRF underscored that WRS already provides a solid foundation for several dimensions of the Decade.
For more than six decades, IRF has collected national data from over 200 countries and territories, including:
- road network length and paved share
- motorisation rates and vehicle fleet composition
- road safety outcomes
- freight volumes
- fuel consumption
These indicators already align with many of the Decade’s focus areas—access, safety, emissions and connectivity. However, the conversation also made clear that significant gaps remain:
- Access and inclusion: Data needs further disaggregation and must move beyond infrastructure length to capture meaningful accessibility.
- Climate and resilience: Lifecycle emissions, adaptation investment and infrastructure condition under stress remain under-measured.
- Efficiency and logistics: Corridor performance and congestion indicators are often absent.
- Urban mobility: Mode share, active mobility and public transport performance require better coverage.
- Technology and innovation: Indicators for digital asset management, ITS deployment and related technologies lack consistency.
Designing a Practical and Scalable Global Framework
During interactive “world café” discussions, participants explored how a global monitoring framework could be structured. IRF encouraged a layered approach:
- a small set of core global indicators that every country can report,
- supplemented by thematic modules for deeper exploration of areas such as urban mobility, resilience or logistics.
This structure would allow countries to tailor monitoring to their priorities while maintaining comparability. IRF stressed three design principles:
- Measurability — indicators must be realistic for most countries to collect;
- Continuity — data should be comparable over time;
- Policy relevance — indicators should support decision-making, not sit unused.
IRF also pointed to the value of digital-first monitoring systems, including interactive dashboards, automated data integration and interoperable tools that builds on IRF’s own progress with data warehouse dashboards and country profiles.
Addressing Data Challenges: From Definitions to Institutional Capacity
The final session addressed the persistent constraints affecting transport data globally. Drawing on IRF’s operational experience with WRS, Julia Funk noted common issues: inconsistent definitions across ministries, missing reporting years, under-disaggregation and capacity limitations, especially in lower-income countries. Road safety and emissions data can also be politically sensitive, contributing to underreporting.
IRF emphasised that many data challenges are fundamentally institutional. Strengthening statistical capacity, governance coordination and institutional ownership is just as important as refining indicators.
Proposed solutions included:
- harmonised templates for data submission
- continuous engagement with national focal points
- digital reporting systems to reduce errors and delays
- targeted capacity-building for data collection and analysis
The discussion also explored the potential of remote sensing, administrative datasets and AI-based validation as complementary sources to enhance accuracy and fill data gaps.
Looking Ahead
The workshop laid important groundwork for a global framework capable of tracking progress across the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. IRF’s contribution underscored the need for systems that are practical, interoperable and genuinely useful for decision-makers.
By bringing decades of experience in road and mobility data, IRF is helping shape a monitoring approach that supports countries in building transport systems that are inclusive, safe, low-carbon, resilient and efficient - and that can be reliably measured over time.
