Hybrid approach in traffic measures at Tramline 16 The Hague

On behalf of the municipality of The Hague, the tracks and stops of Tram 16 are being renovated and made suitable for new low-floor streetcars, so that people with wheelchairs, walkers or baby carriages can board more easily. The biggest challenge in this complex inner-city project is to minimize the inconvenience to local residents, shoppers and business owners and to keep the area accessible. As contract partner of the municipality of The Hague, BUKO Infrasupport is closely involved in the project, which is being carried out in several phases.

Dalino van der Velden, Traffic measures project leader at BUKO Infrasupport: "We are doing everything we can to keep this - largely inner-city - project on track, taking into account various stakeholders. The goal is to create a safe working environment and ultimately a positive(er) nuisance experience. That starts with a thorough plan and then, of course, careful execution."

Differentiate by standing out

As in many cases where temporary traffic measures are needed, BUKO Infrasupport is also working on this project with physical measures, such as signs. "Because of the large amount of detour signs in the city, due to more projects being in progress, we deployed pink signs indicating the (pedestrian) routes to the shopping streets. Nice and eye-catching and it keeps customers coming."

Inform real-time

In addition to physical measures, plenty of digital measures have also been applied. Martin van Beurden, manager of BUKO Bereikbaar, a new department within BUKO Infrasupport: "We make sure that people are well informed beforehand, for example through social media, so that they are better prepared and know what choices they can make during implementation. We also ran several social media campaigns in the interest of the shopkeepers and the signage plan was fully digitized. Thanks to a geofence and Digital Information Beacon, drivers at the location where the detour starts receive a voice message about the work and the detour. We also digitized all traffic measures so that closures, reversed driving directions and other changes are processed in the navigation systems. In doing so, we distinguish between people with a final destination in the area and through traffic. Before the start, together with behavioral scientists, we conducted research into reducing resistance around the work. Based on this, we chose the right interventions and tailored our communication accordingly. And that's exactly where our added value lies." Van Beurden explains that everything is completely data-driven and online reports are available in real time. "That way we know exactly how many people have been reached and can make adjustments where necessary."

Together on the road to safety

The strength lies mainly in the right combination of physical and digital measures, so that everyone who lives, works and travels in the area in question is well informed. BUKO offers a total package, provided by various specialized departments within BUKO Infrasupport. Van der Velden: "The equipment department provides what is needed in terms of physical signage, the marketing department thinks along in terms of campaigns and BUKO Bereikbaar makes the distinction in the digital field. After all, you have to do it all together. Not for nothing is our slogan 'Together on the road to safety'."