The SAFER-LC, SAFE-10-T and SAFE STRIP organized their first clustering meeting on Tuesday, 20 February. The three projects supported by INEA in the framework of Horizon 2020 convened at the ERTICO-ITS Europe premises in Brussels to discuss complementary activities and project results and look into common communication and exploitation possibilities. The meeting was attended by the INEA project officer Sergio Escriba and DG MOVEs’ Maria Christina Marolda, replacing Paola Chiarini. After the introduction made by Cristina Marolda on the focus and expectations of the call topic and how this has changed over the years, Marie Hélène Bonneau of the UIC (SAFER-LC), Julie Clarke of GDGEO (SAFE-10-T) and Maria Gemou of CERTH/HIT (SAFE STRIP) provided a detailed insight into their respective projects. Some important synergies were identified between SAFE STRIP and the SAFER-LC and SAFE -10-T projects. SAFER-LC researches how train level crossings can be made safer, and how they will, among other tasks inform road drivers on approaching trains. This information can be used as an additional input to the SAFE STRIP Use Case related to the unprotected railway crossings. In specific, the smart detection system of SAFER-LC will provide feedback to the Road Side Bridge of the SAFE STRIP system. CERTH is developing the respective parts in both projects which will allow for an easier cooperation and the specific Use Case can be tested in Thessaloniki. In addition, the data produced by the SAFE STRIP pavement condition monitoring Use Case provides useful input to the Safety Framework developed by SAFE-10-T.
Although SAFE-10-T is concerned with broader infrastructure maintenance planning across road, rail and inland waterway networks, the outputs of the complimentary projects will provide further inputs to the global risk framework. The latter will support risk-based infrastructure management to improve safety, mobility levels and the overall resilience of multi-modal networks.
The projects will join forces and participate in cross project promotion events and activities where appropriate and useful (through the use of social media, common sessions in upcoming conferences , exchange of advisory board and user fora experts for mutual benefit, common policy papers, etc.). The outcome of the meeting was very positive and a follow-up clustering meeting is foreseen for early 2019 in the UIC Headquarters in Paris. For this new meeting other projects related to SAFER-LC, SAFE STRIP and SAFE -10-T will be invited as well.
SAFER-LC (Safer Level Crossing by integrating and optimizing road-rail infrastructure and design) aims to improve safety and minimize risk by developing a fully integrated cross-modal set of innovative solutions and tools for the proactive management and design of level-crossing infrastructure. More information about SAFER-LC can be found on the SAFER-LC website: http://safer-lc.eu/
SAFE-10-T project will develop a Safety Framework to ensure high safety performance while allowing longer life-cycles for critical infrastructure across the road, rail and inland waterway modes. More information about SAFE -10-T can be found on the projects’ website: http://www.safe10tproject.eu/
SAFE STRIP aims to introduce a disruptive technology that will embed C-ITS applications into existing road infrastructure, including I2V and V2I communications as well as VMS/VSL functions into low-cost, integrated strip markers on the road. More about SAFE STRIP can be found on the website: http://safestrip.eu
Group photo from left to right: Marie Hélène Bonneau (UIC), Erwin Vermassen (ERTICO-ITS Europe), Maria Christina Marolda (DG MOVE, European Commission), Paul Doherty (GDGEO), Julie Clarke (GDGEO), Rita Bhandari (ERTICO-ITS Europe), Maria Gemou (CERTH/HIT), Josep Maria Salanova (CERTH/HIT), Evangelos Bekiaris (CERTH/HIT), Sergio Escriba (INEA).
