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

  • Highways England and Keir trial warning airbag
    May 3, 2021
    “Home Safe and Well”* is not just an inflated phrase put out by Highways England to raise awareness of work zone dangers
  • Ma(r)king the roads readable for self-driving cars
    December 20, 2021
    CAV, V2X, C-ITS, CCAM – the acronyms are differing, but they all have in common that they denominate the linking of road infrastructure and vehicles with the aim to improve traffic flow, reduce emissions and make traffic safer and our journeys more convenient.
  • Reducing asphalt plant downtime
    December 12, 2018
    How asphalt plant control add-ons make operation easier while reducing costly downtime - *Carlos Cardenas The word downtime might as well be a curse word in the asphalt production industry. As any operator will say, unplanned plant shutdowns can end up costing a producer heavily in lost production, not to mention a line of unhappy truck drivers and asphalt customers. The key is to get ahead of the problem and spot issues before they skyrocket in severity. Fortunately, some asphalt plant manufacturers offe
  • Road Safety Foundation: low-cost road safety improvements pay off
    December 3, 2014
    A major speed limit review in the county resulted in the speed limit be reduced from around 65kph (40mph) to 48kph (30mph) on two short sections through the town of Amersham.