Guiyang expressway sets model for digital transformation of transport

The Guiyang Ring Expressway is emerging as a new model for smart expressway development in Guizhou, following the province's inclusion in the second batch of national pilot regions for digital transformation of road and waterway transport last June.

A 13-kilometer pilot section featuring dynamically opened emergency lanes has been launched on the busy southwest ring segment between Ganjiang Interchange and Baiyun Interchange, one of the most congested sections of the expressway.

The project adopts an intelligent approach integrating multi-point sensing, network-wide coordination, and precise traffic control. A "dynamic emergency lane" management model has been introduced, supported by 27 radar and checkpoint systems, three full-width variable message signs, five lane-specific information boards, and eight roadside variable speed limit signs. Powered by AI, the system continuously monitors traffic flow and speed around the clock.

When traffic surges are detected, traffic police authorize the temporary opening of emergency lanes. The expressway control center then releases real-time guidance via nearby information boards, allowing passenger vehicles to use the lanes flexibly by section and time period. This marks a shift from permanent closure to the on-demand use of emergency lanes.

The project also promotes the "362 working mechanism", which coordinates three responsible parties, deploys six on-duty response vehicles, and sets up two control points. Temporary rescue stations are added between interchanges as needed, forming a 10-minute emergency response system to prevent minor incidents from causing major congestion. During a trial run over the National Day holiday, emergency lanes were opened 57 times for a total of 59 hours.

Data show that during the holiday period, despite a 3.22 percent year-on-year increase in average daily traffic, congestion duration on the Guiyang Ring Expressway fell by 59.12 percent, accidents dropped by 18.5 percent, and average travel speed rose by 10.1 percent.