Skip to main content

Swift and versatile solutions from Versilis

Automated access control is not only safer for road crews but reduces the time and cost of deployment of signage for access and traffic control.
January 9, 2019 Read time: 2 mins
SwiftGates in operation on the Galipeault Bridge near Montreal, Canada

Automated access control is not only safer for road crews but reduces the time and cost of deployment of signage for access and traffic control.

Canadian traffic systems provider 2303 Versilis, based near Montreal, offers a complete automated access control solution through its highly visible SwiftSign and SwiftGate solutions. SwiftSign, an automated pivoting sign, replaces static signs while SwiftGate – automated pivoting gates - replaces traffic channelisers such as traffic cones. Both SwiftSign and SwiftGate share the same mechanical technology and can be operated and monitored locally and remotely.

Typical automated access control solutions are for reversible lanes and managed lanes – used in conjunction with the Road Zipper barrier mover manufactured by Lindsay Transportation Solutions in the US. Swiftgate, which sends a clear message to motorists that an access is closed, is crash-tested to NCHRP 350 requirements to ensure the safety of motorists in the event of a crash. According to the company, SwiftGate is also the only crash-tested gate on the market.

Versilis offers various control and monitoring options. Wireless solar powered solutions are available for quick installation and relocation. The SwiftSign and SwiftGate small mechanism footprint allows installation on narrow median barriers. Versilis says that it also offers engineering support at every step of its client’s project for ease of installation and minimal maintenance requirements.

Local operation can be carried out by an RF handheld remote control (902-928 MHz) and also by push buttons set in a nearby ITS cabinet to be operated manually by road crews. Maintenance is also minimal. For preventive maintenance, the battery for both SwiftSign and SwiftGate must be changed every five years.

Drive-by inspections must be conducted regularly to ensure no gate is broken due to a crash. But crashes are very rare, with only 3% of SwiftGate arms replaced annually due to crashes. Versilis says that on average, only 10% of SwiftGate polycarbonate flexible chevrons need replacing annually.

SwiftSign and SwiftGate installations can be found in major US cities including Dallas, Boston, New York, New Orleans and Pittsburgh, as well as in Canada in Montreal and Toronto.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Managing urban motorway complexity in Sydney
    October 4, 2012
    Sydney’s Hills M2 motorway is being widened while still carrying traffic and meeting tough environmental criteria More than 100,000 vehicles and over 27,000 bus commuters use the Hills M2 motorway on a typical workday, making it one of Sydney’s busiest motorway corridors. Owned and managed by Hills Motorway Ltd (HML) and a key part of the city’s orbital motorway network, the road stretches over 21km, providing a seamless link between the Lane Cove Tunnel and Westlink M7. The Hills M2 Upgrade is one of many
  • First phase of Houston reversible HOV to HOT lanes completed
    April 19, 2012
    Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro) working with prime contractor TransCore has commissioned the first of five reversible high occupancy toll (HOT) lane corridors. One of the most substantial undertakings of its kind to date in the United States, Metro’s conversion of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to HOT lanes will increase utilisation of the HOV system and subsequently relieve congestion in the general purpose freeway lanes. When completed, the programme will span 135k
  • Traffic control solution manufacturers win key project works
    September 26, 2013
    Traffic control system manufacturers have recently supplied some of their cutting-edge technology to major projects in Europe. Meanwhile, in southern Asia, another leading firm in the sector is helping reduce chronic traffic congestion in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. Guy Woodford reports Solutions supplied by Siemens Mobility & Logistics (M&L) are helping the Rijkswaterstaat improve traffic conditions at the Coentunnel in Amsterdam, one of the most heavily used traffic arteries in the Netherlands, used
  • Optimising traffic control ensures efficient use of infrastructure
    April 10, 2013
    Central and local governments are facing many challenges, not least a shortage of funds due to budget restraints in the US and Europe in particular. In other markets, ensuring efficient traffic flow is the priority, with monitoring of network status being a key tool. New technology for traffic monitoring plays a crucial role and the sector is keen to introduce new and more efficient systems. The Transport Research laboratory (TRL) has long been a pioneer of traffic control technologies and its latest MAAPc