TfL Trials Advanced Modelling Tool to Reduce Disruption from Street Works

Transport for London is testing a new digital modelling platform designed to improve the planning and coordination of roadworks across the capital, helping to minimise disruption for motorists, businesses and public transport users.

The technology, developed by transport simulation specialist Immense, allows planners to assess hundreds of potential traffic management scenarios before works begin, providing a faster and more consistent way of evaluating the impact of lane closures, diversions and temporary traffic measures.

London's road network accommodates around 400,000 street works activities each year, ranging from utility maintenance and highway repairs to development-related works. Managing the cumulative impact of these projects has traditionally relied on complex modelling processes that can be expensive, time-consuming and difficult to apply consistently across multiple schemes.

Transport for London believes the new approach could help address these challenges by providing planners with quicker access to evidence-based assessments while reducing reliance on bespoke traffic studies.

Karl Kulasingam, Roadworks Performance Manager at TfL, said the organisation is continually exploring new technologies that can support safer, more efficient and less disruptive use of London's road network.

The initiative forms part of TfL's wider London on the Move Strategy and is supported through the capital's Lane Rental programme, which encourages innovation aimed at reducing congestion caused by roadworks.

The project began with a pilot study to determine whether modern cloud-based modelling tools could be used routinely to assess temporary traffic management proposals. According to TfL, the trial demonstrated that large numbers of scenarios could be analysed rapidly using a consistent dataset, with results accessible through a user-friendly web interface.

A key focus of the programme has been ensuring the outputs are trusted and understood by those responsible for making operational decisions.

The current system is built around a comprehensive digital model of London's road and public transport networks, regularly updated with the latest available data. Authorised users can test and compare different approaches before designs are finalised, allowing potential issues to be identified at an earlier stage.

TfL emphasised that the platform does not replace existing approval processes or statutory permitting requirements. Instead, it provides additional evidence to support decision-making and encourage consideration of less disruptive alternatives before projects are committed.

For utility companies, developers and other organisations promoting street works, the tool could reduce the need for costly specialist modelling while providing quicker feedback on proposed schemes. For local authorities and permitting bodies, it offers a more standardised approach to assessing impacts and allocating resources.

The programme is being introduced in phases, initially focusing on areas of London experiencing the highest concentration of complex works. TfL said the system has been developed collaboratively with industry partners and roadworks stakeholders to ensure it reflects the practical realities of planning and managing projects on one of the world's busiest urban transport networks.

As pressure on road space continues to increase, the trial represents a significant step towards using digital technology to improve coordination, reduce congestion and enhance the overall management of London's streets.