Emu Analytics are thrilled to be announced as one of the ten winners of the National Highways competition aimed at reducing the impact of roadworks on motorists, local communities, and businesses. As a winner, Emu Analytics will receive £15,000 to take forward their proposal and expert guidance from Connected Places Catapult and National Highways to scale up their innovative idea.
Emu Analytics’ winning idea involves using digital twin software and geospatial data to provide the public with insights into the proximity of roadworks and their impact on highway users. This will enable road users to better plan their journeys and help local communities and businesses to prepare for potential disruptions.
The competition provides an opportunity for SMEs like Emu Analytics to showcase their ideas and work directly with National Highways to improve the roadworks experience for all. The competition is funded through National Highways’ Designated Funds; a ringfenced pot of money dedicated to investing in and supporting initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for road users, the environment, and communities in England.
Trials of some of these innovative ideas will begin later this year on roadworks sites on the strategic highway network. Those that are most successful are set to be taken forward with National Highways and its supply chain.
Connected Places Catapult, Executive Director, SME Development and Academic Engagement, Alex Weedon said: “As innovation specialists, we’re always looking for ‘pain points’ to target, where things don’t always go as smoothly as they might. Roadworks are an all too familiar pain point for many of us, which makes them ripe for innovation.
“By collaborating with National Highways, its supply chain, and disruptive firms we believe we can help make a lasting impact that benefits society at large and the highways sector.”
National Highways Customer Service Director Laura Baker-Lacey added:
“We wanted to find ideas that we hadn’t trialled, tested, or even thought of ourselves – and we haven’t been disappointed. We have chosen 10 very exciting projects that could really help reduce the impact of roadworks on road users.
“Roadworks are an essential part of managing, developing, and maintaining our roads but we know they are a cause of frustration for not only drivers but those in the surrounding communities and local businesses.
“We hope these ideas will make the experience of roadworks a kinder one and look forward to seeing how the projects develop.”
Emu Analytics are excited about the opportunity to help reduce the impact of roadworks on road users. Bringing together their digital twin software and geospatial data to provide valuable insights to road users, local communities, and businesses. Emu are looking forward to working with National Highways and Connected Places Catapult to scale up our proposal and make a lasting impact.