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

  • Greater efficiency with highway work zone safety
    April 2, 2014
    Leading highway work zone safety solution manufacturers have developed innovative new systems offering greater utility and efficiency for work crews involved in vital highways’ projects. Guy Woodford reports Mobile Barriers is now offering its MBT-1 barrier with cranes, scissor lifts, camera-communication towers and other options to enhance the system’s utility and efficiency. “This has been largely client driven and an outgrowth of our ongoing development for the transportation and security/defence s
  • Developments in workzone safety systems
    May 3, 2012
    Raising awareness of safety in highway work zones is a global issue, and various initiatives highlight this as Patrick Smith reports. So seriously is work zone safety taken in the United States that each year since 1999 a special week has been set aside to highlight it. Each year in April, National Work Zone Awareness Week is held to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones.
  • Developments in workzone safety systems
    February 8, 2012
    Raising awareness of safety in highway work zones is a global issue, and various initiatives highlight this as Patrick Smith reports. So seriously is work zone safety taken in the United States that each year since 1999 a special week has been set aside to highlight it. Each year in April, National Work Zone Awareness Week is held to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones.
  • Solari gives Doha airport baggage truck drivers the VMS signal
    March 6, 2015
    VMS innovations offer transportation efficiency gains – David Arminas writes. Baggage truck drivers at the new Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, are now getting real-time imformation and directions on variable message signage. The airport opened last April and will be the first touchdown point for fans attending the football World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The airport is only 4km away from the overused but now redundant Doha International Airport, which will be demolished and redeveloped as an urban p