The initial deployment consists of six drones designed to inspect hard-to-reach areas, such as bridges, viaducts, and slopes, without disrupting traffic flow. This will allow for real-time assessment of the structural health of key infrastructures, as well as topographic surveys and stability monitoring.
Over the summer of 2024, the motorway operator conducted two phases of testing—on the Po River bridge and the Colle Isarco viaduct. These trials, according to Transporto Europa, provided valuable data about the condition of the inspected structures and demonstrated the potential for future drone applications in routine inspections.
In addition to structural monitoring, the drones could be used for rapid response in the event of accidents, providing critical data to assist emergency services.
Traffic flows will also be monitored, offering insights to improve mobility management on the A22.
“These tools offer extraordinary support for collecting real-time information, crucial for an increasingly connected and cooperative approach to managing mobility,” said Carlo Costa, Autostrada del Brennero’s General Technical Director, in a statement quoted by Transporto Europa. He further explained that the data collected will be processed using artificial intelligence to quickly identify anomalies and contribute to a comprehensive digital database.
The use of drones is part of the company’s participation in the European Scale project, which seeks to develop Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) across the continent. According to Transporto Europa, these systems enable communication between vehicles and infrastructure, aiming to enhance road safety and promote more connected and cooperative driving.