AI tech trials see Costain play a key role in roadwork innovation

Costain is providing pro bono support to two proposals to trial the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in National Highways projects in 2024.

National Highways, in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, has announced a competition to encourage innovative solutions aimed at improving road users’ experience of roadworks on England’s motorways and A-roads.

Two winning proposals have received Costain’s mentorship and extensive experience in complex delivery and customer service. Costain will continue to support these proposals during their trials scheduled to begin in January.

Alchera Technologies collaborated with Costain to propose the use of AI technology for monitoring the impact of road closures and roadworks on traffic flow and driver behaviour.

The trial will employ graph convolutional neural networks to provide predicted traffic data, enabling road engineers and traffic controllers to quickly respond to changing conditions and make informed decisions while conducting essential roadworks.

Costain has also partnered with Wordnerds, a data company, and recently joined forces with Kier to tackle the challenges encountered across the National Highways supply chain. 

Both Alchera Technologies and Wordnerds have been mentored by Costain throughout the competition process, learning from customer and traffic management experts to see how the technology could be applied to real-world scenarios. Both companies received up to £60,000 from National Highways to take their ideas forward to trial in early 2024.

David Taylor, interim managing director for transportation at Costain, said, “The winning proposals are hugely compelling because they have the potential to solve complex, often intangible infrastructure problems with a clever blend of cutting-edge technology and deep industry knowledge.”