A group of organisations have announced a £10,000 contest to find innovative solutions to help better inform and communicate with the public about forthcoming and ongoing roadworks.
The prize is being put up by Tenshi, Staffordshire County Council, Amey and Elgin, in a bid to help off-set any problems caused by roadworks, given that, as they put it, "roadworks underpin our 21st century lives, connecting communities to services and to each other, whilst ensuring regions are supportive and attractive to business. With the UK's population predicted to increase to more than 76 million by 2045, there is growing need to build and bring online new homes, offices, schools and communities, while also continuing essential maintenance and emergency works on existing infrastructure."
They add that utilities, contractors, highway authorities and research institutions are already using data and new technologies to minimise the impact of roadworks on road users, including platforms to enable more joined up works planning and execution, and innovative no-dig technologies such as robots to 'live' in utilities pipes where they can constantly inspect and repair infrastructure.
"While these developments have the potential to reduce cost and duration," their statement says, "any disruption caused by roadworks is still highly visible and quickly felt by local residents, motorists and businesses."
The organisations say their "Dare to Solve: Roadworks" contest is seeking digital solutions that help reduce this pain and inconvenience for communities, commuters and businesses at a local level by helping them to understand, plan around and measure the impact of roadworks.
As well as receiving up to £10,000 to trial their solution, the winner will also get the opportunity to collaborate with commercial partners to accelerate the development of their technology. The winning entrepreneur will retain 100% of their IP and will receive mentoring and promotion to help bring their solutions to market.
For full details of the contest, click here.
