Swarco Strengthens Its Strategic Position Through the Acquisition of Aachen-Based Software Company Heusch/Boesefeldt
“The international traffic technology group SWARCO has acquired 100% of the renowned company Heusch/Boesefeldt GmbH, a leading provider of software solutions for highway and tunnel management systems as well as innovative traffic management, effective 19 August 2025.
Headquartered in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, with a branch office in Cottbus, Brandenburg, Heusch/Boesefeldt employs around 50 staff. The company plays a key role in the digitalization and automation of national and international traffic infrastructures. Notable references include the outfitting of the German Traffic Control Center of Autobahn GmbH des Bundes as well as the national traffic management and information center of ASFINAG in Austria and its ongoing development. Projects also include construction site management for Rijkswaterstaat in the Netherlands and CAR2X applications in the digital test field Düsseldorf or for the construction site warning system of Autobahn GmbH.
SWARCO CEO Michael Schuch stated: “With the acquisition of Heusch/Boesefeldt, a company founded in the same year as SWARCO in 1969, we are strategically expanding our technological expertise in customized software solutions. At the same time, we are strengthening our market presence in the DACH region and beyond, enabling closer collaboration with key SWARCO clients in road and highway operations. This also lays the foundation for building a powerful engineering center for highway and tunnel management systems and for developing forward-looking technologies – especially in the field of CCAM (Cooperative, Connected, Automated Mobility).”
Managing Directors Dirk Hübner and Berthold Jansen commented: “As a SWARCO company, Heusch/Boesefeldt is entering a new chapter full of opportunities. Our innovative, highly developed solutions can now have an even greater impact with SWARCO. The future of Heusch/Boesefeldt is secured long-term, and we can continue to offer our employees inspiring prospects: to apply their knowledge and energy to socially meaningful developments and to positively shape the future of mobility.”
About Swarco
SWARCO's leading idea is to improve quality of life by making the travel experience safer, quicker, more convenient, and environmentally sound. The Austrian company, headquartered in Wattens near Innsbruck, specialises in traffic technology and produces and supplies a wide range of products, systems, services and turnkey solutions for road marking, urban and interurban traffic management, parking, and public transport. Its cooperative systems, infrastructure-to-vehicle communication, e-mobility and modular holistic software solutions support tomorrow's mobility and make our communities more liveable. The Group is the world leader in high-performance road marking systems and the largest producer of LED-based traffic lights and variable message signs. More than 5,500 colleagues in 25 countries serve customers in 80 countries and generate revenues of over 1.2 billion euros.
www.swarco.com
TRL launches new guide: Systems Thinking in Transport Safety
TRL has published its latest guide for the Department for Transport (DfT), Systems Thinking in Transport Safety: Cross Modal Safety Change Programme. This landmark study acts as an introductory guide to the application of systems thinking in transport safety, showing how a holistic approach to complex systems can help prevent future accidents and save lives.
The guide asks unconventional but vital questions: what can a shallow spot in a river ten thousand years ago teach us about pedestrian safety today? What do lifts reveal about the safety of roll-on-roll-off ferries? What might Stanley Kubrick tell us about aviation safety, and what does that mean for the future of automated vehicles?
Through engaging case studies and real-world examples, the report demonstrates how systems thinking can be applied across all modes of transport. It explores the intersection between machines, the humans who operate them, and the wider social structures shaping behaviour; highlights the importance of feedback loops and boundaries within systems; examines the delayed effects of interventions; and underlines the need to design robust systems that anticipate human error. The study also considers the challenges posed by automation and the increasingly complex relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
The study examines three major transport disasters, the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise, the crash of Air France flight 447, and the Selby rail crash, to illustrate how siloed thinking can have catastrophic consequences, and how systems thinking can instead generate solutions.
Crucially, Systems Thinking in Transport Safety provides practitioners with practical tools and techniques, while emphasising that true systems thinking is more about mindset than methods. By engaging stakeholders and considering cultural, technical, economic, and environmental influences, professionals across disciplines can make safer decisions.
Lead Author Ianto Guy said “Our aim must be for no one to be injured or killed when travelling by any mode. Systems thinking is not just about tools, it’s about adopting a mindset that sees the bigger picture, understands interconnections, and anticipates the unintended consequences of decisions. This guide is designed to help practitioners begin that journey.”
Connecting Stakeholders for a Sustainable Mobility Future in Nepal
The Policy Dialogue on Automobile and Better Mobility 2025, organised by the Nepal Automobiles Association (NASA Nepal) and NASA Foundation Nepal on 2-3 August 2025 at Royal Tulip Kathmandu, concluded successfully with the participation of 93 distinguished national and international experts.
During the event, the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Devendra Dahal, expressed his appreciation towards NASA Nepal, stating that the organisation is accomplishing tasks even the government has not been able to undertake. He commended NASA Nepal’s role in connecting stakeholders from both Nepal and abroad and in persistently advocating for better mobility solutions. Minister Dahal further informed that the formulation of the Road Safety Act is in its final stage and affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritize road safety in the coming days.
The keynote speakers included Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Road Safety Observatory (headquartered in Manila, Philippines); Mr. Greig Craft, Vice President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Founding President of the Automobile Association of Vietnam, and Founder of AIP Foundation; Ms. Ranjit Kaur Virk, Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Automobile Associations and the Western India Automobile Association; and Dr. K.C. Vohra, Director of the School of Automotive, NAMTECH India.
In the “Brainstorming with International Speakers” session, Mr. Greig Craft spoke about two-wheeler safety, helmet use, and road safety in Asia. Ms. Ranjit Kaur Virk discussed sustainable tourism in South Asia, including IDP (International Driving Permit), CDP (Carnet de Passages), and cross-border connectivity. Dr. Vohra shared insights into efforts to enhance safety in the automotive sector. Discussions also included activities in Nepal and further areas to be addressed in the future.
On the same occasion, the National Road Safety Award and Certificate of Appreciation were conferred upon Traffic Campaigner Mr. Shekhar Chandra Rai, in recognition of his significant contributions to the road safety sector. The award was handed over by Minister Mr. Devendra Dahal. The award is presented to individuals or institutions that have made notable contributions to road safety.
Furthermore, NASA Nepal announced the establishment of a Motoring Academy and the launch of Evision Nepal to enhance road safety efforts in the country. The campaigns were formally inaugurated by Minister Dahal and other distinguished guests present at the event.
Participants included professionals and stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental organisations involved in road transport and the automobile sector, representatives from local municipalities, academicians and students from engineering institutions, and entrepreneurs from the automotive industry.
The organisers expressed their belief that this dialogue would serve as a foundational step toward enhancing the credibility, professionalism, and global reach of Nepal’s automobile sector, while also establishing it as a key socio-economic and political agenda. They also emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts with academic and professional institutions in Nepal, beginning with this dialogue.
IRF Welcomes New Team Members with Strong International Expertise
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a well-established and respected organisation with over 75 years of experience promoting safer, more inclusive and sustainable road mobility systems. Our reputation is built on the quality and commitment of our staff, and we are pleased to welcome three accomplished professionals whose diverse expertise will strengthen our work across advocacy, project management and senior advice.
Iona Kirkpatrick – Project Manager
English | German | Russian | French
Iona Kirkpatrick joins the IRF with a multilingual background in Russian and German, and hands-on experience managing educational and research-based international projects. A graduate of Durham University, she began her career in translation before completing a master’s degree in EU Project Management. She went on to manage educational programmes across Africa and Asia with the Child & Family Foundation and later worked as an EU Project Manager in the field of connected and automated mobility at Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH. Iona brings a strong understanding of cross-border coordination and EU funding mechanisms, which will support IRF’s growing portfolio of international projects.
Alice Yiu – Head of Advocacy and Outreach
Cantonese | English | Mandarin
With over a decade of experience driving global action on climate and mobility, Alice Yiu now leads IRF’s global outreach and advocacy strategy. Before joining the IRF, Alice was Director of Communications and Outreach at the SLOCAT Partnership. She played a key role in representing the transport sector in international climate forums, including UN Climate Summits, and led the development of several landmark knowledge products such as the Global Status Reports. Her background in building alliances and advancing policy engagement ensures that the IRF will continue to be a reliable and influential voice in multilateral processes.
Brendan Halleman – Senior Advisor
English | French
Brendan Halleman brings to the IRF over 25 years of experience in road safety and infrastructure development. A French and Irish national, he has worked with international and multilateral institutions to support the creation of road networks that are safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable. Prior to joining the IRF, Brendan was Senior Road Safety Advisor at the European Investment Bank. There, he led efforts to enhance project appraisal and monitoring practices, strengthen client capacity and coordinate engagement with both institutional partners and the private sector. His practical knowledge and long-standing commitment to safer roads will directly support IRF's technical initiatives and strategic partnerships.
IRF Leaders in Athens Urge Collaboration to Tackle Traffic Challenges
Across the world, road networks are under increasing tension with the rising economic activity, rapid urbanisation, and a steady rebound in car ownership. Global passenger car sales not only recovered after the pandemic, but surpassed previous records, with over 75 million vehicles sold in 2023 and an estimated 77 million in 2024.
This challenge framed discussions at the International Symposium "Navigating the Future of Traffic Management" in Athens, Greece (29 June – 3 July) where the International Road Federation (IRF) led the closing plenary session, "Global Partnerships to Reach the Destination Needed Collaboration and Targets." Moderated by IRF Acting Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz, the session featured IRF President Dimitris Mandalozis alongside global experts, collectively issuing a powerful call for integrated approaches and cooperation.
A core message resonated: managing traffic effectively demands breaking down traditional silos. "Traffic is no longer managed in isolation," stressed IRF President Dimitris Mandalozis, drawing on his role as COO of Greece's Aegean Motorways. "It requires integration, not just in data or technology, but in planning, governance, and day-to-day operations." This imperative for multi-agency control centres and unified corridor planning was reinforced by Jianming Ma (Texas DOT, AASHTO).
While technology offers significant potential, speakers emphasised practical deployment challenges. Mandalozis pointed to Co-operative, Connected & Automated Mobility (CCAM) as transformative, explaining how precision algorithms in automated vehicles can smooth traffic flow.
The panel agreed that scaling up efforts requires meaningful collaboration, supported by clear incentives. Angelos Amditis suggested rewards such as international recognition and funding schemes that promote openness. Mandalozis outlined key conditions for success: formal agreements between agencies, joint funding mechanisms, aligned regulations, strong data-sharing systems, and investment in cross-border training.
He positioned the IRF as central to this mission: "This is precisely the role that the International Road Federation seeks to play. We continue to serve as a bridge... IRF stands ready to convene partners... to co-develop roadmaps and pilot initiatives."
Connecting physical infrastructure with digital control systems requires new operational approaches and further research. Mandalozis stressed that the focus should be on practical integration, such as prioritising public transportation.
As Mr. Alcaraz said “Mounting congestion is not just a matter of delays and lost economic productivity. In most cities, automobile traffic is now the leading contributor to both air and noise pollution. The consequences are real and measurable, from respiratory illness and cardiovascular risk to reduced quality of life, especially for vulnerable populations.”
To close the session, Mandalozis aptly summarised, "The future of traffic management depends not only on what we build, but on how we work together to build it," underscoring the collective resolve for integrated global action.
With that, the IRF concluded a successful week at the International Symposium “Navigating the Future of Traffic Management”. We had a strong presence with a dedicated stand, hosted our Annual General Assembly where key leadership decisions were made, and held the IRF 2025 Awards Ceremony, recognising 14 innovative projects in the sector.
The IRF 2025 Awards Reveal Change-Making Projects in Mobility
In a sector that must continuously respond to complex challenges, from reducing road traffic deaths to designing infrastructure fit for a changing climate, the International Road Federation (IRF) Awards have long served as a reference point for excellence. Recognised across the industry for their credibility and impact, these prestigious awards celebrate projects offering tangible, forward-looking solutions. In 2025, more than 100 applicants from around the world submitted entries showcasing advances across 12 categories. Each submission was carefully reviewed by an international committee of experts, ensuring that the selected winners reflect the highest standards of innovation and relevance
The announcement of the IRF 2025 Awards winners took place alongside the International Symposium “Navigating the Future of Traffic Management” (29 June – 03 July 2025), held in Athens, Greece. This event brought together road professionals from across the globe.
IRF President Dimitris Mandalozis highlighted “The IRF Awards were created to spotlight the remarkable achievements that are transforming the future of transport, projects that are technically outstanding and socially impactful. From road safety and climate resilience to digital innovation and inclusive mobility, the submissions we received this year reflect the bold vision and tireless dedication of our sector.”
We extend our congratulations to this year’s awardees for their significant contributions.
IRF Certifies a New Set of Observer Road Safety Auditors in Uganda
Recently, twenty Ugandan professionals took an important step towards safer roads in their country. They earned international certification as road safety Observer Auditors through a training led by the International Road Federation (IRF), with support from the TotalEnergies Foundation and Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport.
This certification is part of a broader effort to improve road safety infrastructure. Over the next year, the IRF will continue to provide annual training and certification programmes, from Uganda to Tanzania and India to equip local experts with the skills needed to identify risks and improve road designs before collisions occur.
The most recent training took place in Kampala, Uganda from 2 to 13 June 2025. IRF Lead Trainer Miguel Angel Serrano Santos guided the group through a 60-hour course combining classroom theory and hands-on audits of active road projects.
Candidates were selected based on their professional background and their ability to improve road safety in Uganda. This ensured that the knowledge gained would be applied effectively in practice. One participant commented, “I am glad to have earned certification from the IRF. Thanks to our trainer, Miguel Angel Serrano Santos, for sharing valuable knowledge and for challenging but necessary lessons.”
Gonzalo Alcaraz, Acting Director General of the IRF, explained the significance: “Certification equips professionals with practical skills to identify and address road safety risks early on. This initiative strengthens local capacity to protect lives and improve infrastructure, making a tangible difference on the ground.”
Following Uganda, the training programme will continue in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in July 2025. Later this year, India will also host training sessions as part of this ongoing initiative.
Each certified observer auditor becomes part of the International Registry of Road Safety Auditors. This registry sets clear standards for certification and maintains a global list of qualified professionals. The registry helps MDBs (Multilateral Development Banks), governments, and organisations identify trusted auditors who meet international qualifications. It aims to increase transparency and improve the consistency and quality of road safety audits worldwide. Dimitris Mandalozis, President of the IRF, described the registry as a “game-changer” for global road safety. “By establishing clear criteria, we raise audit quality and provide a vital tool for those committed to safer roads.”
Managed as a digital platform by the IRF, the registry verifies auditors’ credentials before listing them.
Uganda’s newly certified Observer Auditors are now prepared to participate in road safety audits. Their next step is to take part in at least five audits within 12 months to qualify as full auditing team members, aiming ultimately to become certified road safety auditors.
IRF President Highlights Role of Infrastructure in Future of Mobility at ASECAP Days 2025
From 26 to 28 May, Madrid hosted the 52nd edition of ASECAP Days, where the European toll road and motorway sector gathered to explore the evolving landscape of mobility. Under the theme “Challenges of Future Mobility | The Role of Road Infrastructure”, the event tackled the pressing need to make transport systems safer and greener.
The International Road Federation (IRF) was actively present, with its President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Aegean Motorway S.A. Dimitris Mandalozis, delivering a speech on 27 May. Opening the conference, Mr Mandalozis drew attention to the accelerating pace of change in mobility, from electrification and automation to shared mobility and digitalisation, and the critical role infrastructure must play in navigating this transformation.
“Is our road infrastructure ready to support the mobility of tomorrow?” he asked delegates, setting the tone for an address built around three strategic pillars: smarter systems, sustainable approaches, and inclusive design. “We must embrace digital technologies that enable predictive maintenance, real-time traffic management, and dynamic safety interventions. Connected infrastructure is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.”
He also underscored the importance of harmonised standards, open data ecosystems, and intersectoral collaboration. He then turned to sustainability: “Infrastructure must be sustainable. That means investing in EV charging corridors, climate-resilient designs, and circular construction materials. But sustainability is not just environmental, it is also social and economic.”
Concluding his address, Mr Mandalozis called for greater inclusivity in infrastructure planning: “Future mobility will be multi-modal and user centred. Roads must be designed for all users: drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport.”
He emphasised the need for a Safe System approach, one that anticipates human error and minimises harm, while also allowing space for future shifts in mobility behaviour and technology. “We must also plan with flexibility, recognising that travel behaviour, technologies, and needs will continue to evolve.”
Later that day, in a parallel session on digital tools for infrastructure, Mr Mandalozis returned to the stage to present the Motorway Management Service System (MMSS), a digital twin model that showcases the potential of data-driven tools in asset management. The MMSS exemplifies how digitalisation can enhance safety, optimise maintenance, and boost operational efficiency.
Bringing his interventions to a close, Mr Mandalozis reminded participants of the long-term stakes involved in today’s infrastructure choices: “The roads we build today will determine the kind of mobility and the kind of society we enable tomorrow.”
In the session “CCAM: Challenges Towards Large Scale Deployment” organised by FACTUAL, IRF presented the short, medium and long terms that infrastructure will face in the arrival of autonomus vehicles.
One of the main challenges highlighted by the IRF, is at the foundation level, stressing the importance of understanding and harmonising the infrastructure. IRF spotlighted the work of the Augmented CCAM Project which is doing exactly that.
The project seeks to harmonise and evaluate Physical, Digital, and Communication Infrastructure (PDI) to accelerate the integration of automated mobility across Europe. It is developing 11 PDI support solutions (aiming at TLR 6-7) that are being applied and evaluated in different configurations in seven test sites across three European Countries (France, Latvia, Spain), encompassing a vast spectrum of physical (living labs, closed areas, open traffic highway, urban and periurban/rural environments) and virtual (DT, AV & driving simulators) test beds.
Aligning Infrastructure for Automated Mobility: IRF Showcases Augmented CCAM Project at International Conferences
The International Road Federation (IRF) has recently presented the Augmented CCAM (Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility) project at three major international events, reaffirming the need for harmonised and future-ready infrastructure to support the safe and scalable deployment of automated vehicles. These engagements in Melbourne, Seville, and Madrid, highlighted both the technical challenges and the actionable frameworks being developed to assess, prioritise, and adapt Physical, Digital, and Communication Infrastructure (PDI) across diverse operational contexts.
Addressing Fragmentation in Infrastructure Readiness
The deployment of CCAM technologies across Europe remains constrained by inconsistencies in infrastructure readiness. Road operators often lack structured tools to evaluate existing assets, prioritise upgrades, and align interventions with vehicle automation requirements. The Augmented CCAM project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme and coordinated by FEHRL, aims to resolve this gap by delivering a harmonised classification system and suite of assessment tools. These are tested in real-world and simulated environments across seven test sites in France, Latvia, and Spain.
NTRO International Transport Conference, Melbourne (7–9 May 2025)
At the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) Conference in Australia, IRF Acting Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz hosted a technical workshop that gathered over 80 professionals from road, rail, and transport infrastructure sectors. The session focused on the challenges of decarbonising transport and enhancing safety performance, providing a timely platform to introduce the Augmented CCAM project's approach to infrastructure planning for automation.
ITS European Congress, Seville (19–21 May 2025)
IRF Project Manager Agostina Massarini delivered a high-level presentation during the session titled “CCAM: Challenges Towards Large Scale Deployment”, organised by FACTUAL. The discussions focused on the criticality of foundation-level infrastructure alignment, calling for interoperability in PDI elements to enable seamless mixed-fleet operation. Notably, the project’s 5-tier readiness framework was presented as a tool for linking PDI characteristics with vehicle automation levels (SAE Levels 0–5), thus directly supporting the CAV "Sense–Plan–Act" architecture. Among the issues discussed were infrastructure localisation, digital twin orchestration, and dynamic mapping. All vital for automated driving systems that rely on anticipatory data inputs and robust communication protocols.
ASECAP Days, Madrid (26–28 May 2025)
The 52nd ASECAP Days provided a critical European policy and operator-focused audience. The conference, themed “Challenges of Future Mobility: The Role of Road Infrastructure”, aligned closely with the Augmented CCAM project’s objectives. IRF participated in discussions around investment models, electric vehicle infrastructure, and alignment with EU strategies such as the Green Deal and Fit for 55.
On 27 May, IRF presented the ACCAM PDI Support Classification Schema, which systematically categorises 81 PDI elements across 10 clusters (e.g., road surface, traffic control, digital enablers). These are evaluated for their contribution to automation, safety, traffic efficiency, and investment feasibility in highway, urban, and rural settings.
Application and Future Relevance
By harmonising infrastructure classification and providing evidence-based evaluation tools, the Augmented CCAM project equips road authorities with practical frameworks to address the uncertainties surrounding CCAM deployment. The initiative supports EU-level objectives such as the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and builds capacity for consistent infrastructure adaptation across borders.
In bringing these findings to the international stage, IRF has reinforced the need to shift from fragmented, vehicle-centric strategies to a more integrated, systems-based approach to automation. The emphasis lies not only in enabling the technological deployment of CAVs but in ensuring that infrastructure (physical, digital, and communicative) can support that transition safely and efficiently.
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