SMART SIGNS ON THE ROADS - WHEN AND WHERE THEY WILL BE PUT INTO OPERATION - THEY WILL DISPLAY MESSAGES ABOUT ROAD WORKS AND ACCIDENTS - Filenews 1/4 by Ioanna Kyriakou
Within the next six months, the smart signs or electronic variable message signs that are currently installed on highways and urban areas are expected to be fully operational. The installation of these signs is part of the broader context of upgrading intelligent transport systems and digital mobility management, with the aim of improving road safety, better informing drivers and managing traffic more effectively.
In particular, variable message signs are modern driver information systems, through which messages are displayed in real time concerning, among other things, traffic conditions, road works, accidents, emergencies and other useful information for safer and more efficient traffic on the road network. Their operation is done through a central management system and is part of the wider context of upgrading intelligent transport systems and the National Mobility Platform.
How many signs will be installed in each province
Filenews contacted the Department of Public Works and, based on the data it obtained, a total of 40 variable message signs are planned to be installed. Of these, 20 will be installed on the highway network, while the other 20 will be installed in urban and suburban areas. Specifically, they will be distributed by province as follows:
• Nicosia: 12
• Limassol: 10
• Larnaca: 7
• Paphos: 8
• Famagusta: 3
According to the Department of Public Works, the signs will be placed at selected points of the road network, based on the functional importance of the roads, the traffic burden and the information needs of drivers. In fact, there are variations between the signs, depending on the road environment in which they are installed and the operational needs they are called upon to serve.
Signs intended for the motorway network are larger in size to ensure increased visibility and legibility at higher speeds. Similarly, the signs placed in urban and suburban areas are smaller in size and adapted to the specific characteristics of the respective road environment.
Waiting for the electricity supply of the signs
The works are at an advanced stage, however the exact date of full operation of the variable message signs depends on the completion of the power supply at the individual installation points. As philenews is informed, for the 20 large-sized signs, the foundation works have already been completed, the support bases have been installed and the signs themselves have already been installed. At the same time, for the 20 smaller signs, the foundation works have already begun, which are expected to be fully completed, so that their suspension and installation can follow by the end of April 2026.
All signs have been successfully tested using generators and temporary power supply, which, as reported by Public Works, confirms that the equipment is functionally ready. The full operation of the signs presupposes their final electrification, i.e. the completion of the electricity supply and its connection to the installation points. Therefore, their activation will proceed gradually, depending on the completion of the required electrification actions at each point. The aim of the competent authority is, in coordination with all stakeholders, for the signs to be fully operational within the next six months.
At €5 million. The cost
The total cost of the project amounts to approximately €5 million and concerns a wider package of interventions to upgrade the National Mobility Platform. In particular, it includes:
i. The supply and installation of 20 variable motorway message signs and their integration into the National Mobility Platform
ii. The supply and installation of 20 variable urban-suburban network message signs and their integration into the National Mobility Platform
iii. The supply and installation of 20 Pan-Tilt-Zoom (CCTV-PTZ) surveillance cameras, together with the necessary software and recording system
iv. The supply and installation of 150 surveillance cameras (CCTV) at fixed points of the network, with traffic monitoring software and a recording system
v. The installation of 74 traffic detection units to record traffic levels in real time in both directions
vi. The installation of 106 high-volume Bluetooth road readers
vii. As well as the replacement and subsequent maintenance of existing and new equipment installed under the contract and related projects.
Finally, once the electrification procedures are completed, the project is expected to significantly enhance the immediate information of drivers, contribute to risk prevention and improve traffic and response in cases of accidents or emergencies. The challenge now is the timely completion of all the works, so that this important investment of €5 million to deliver in practice the expected benefits for road safety and the daily lives of citizens.
