Kuwait’s sea bridge safer with Jenoptik speed enforcement

First published in Intertraffic Innovation News - April 30, 2020

Measuring and enforcing speed violations in the Middle East requires special systems and technology. For example, climate conditions necessitate systems working reliably at high temperatures and modern megacities call for technology that integrates well into the urban environment.

One recent example is one of Kuwait’s major infrastructure projects. The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Bridge links the capital Kuwait city with both the Subbiyah region in the north (Subbiyah Link 36km) and the Doha suburb in the east (Doha Link 12km). The bridge significantly reduces travel distance and time between Kuwait City and the forthcoming Silk City.

Ensuring the highest possible level of traffic safety on this prestigious and strategic bridge is an important concern. Jenoptik, together with its local partner First Joint Group, was able to install a perfectly suited solution for this exceptional project.

A number of average speed enforcement systems have been installed on the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Bridge. Eight laser scanners and cameras are in operation to monitor average speed on the bridge’s four lanes per direction. If a vehicle’s average speed exceeds the maximum permitted, the system automatically records all data relevant for prosecuting the violation. The system is further able to classify all vehicles using the bridge and to apply relevant speed limits to the corresponding vehicle class. Additionally, several spot speed measuring devices, based on radar technology housed in a Jenoptik TraffiTower, are active simultaneously, covering both directions on the bridge.

“Our long-term partnership with the State of Kuwait and our holistic technology approach helped us to come up with a complex and customised solution. We are very proud to be part of the country’s efforts to make roads safer for the nation’s progress,” says Jenoptik’s area sales manager, Brahim Lemjimer.