Summer is the season of road trips, long weekends, and family vacations. But with millions of people hitting the road for Memorial Day and beyond, it’s also one of the busiest times for travel. From 24/7 roadside assistance to predictive analytics, here are five ways Ferrovial is helping keep traffic moving safely during the peak summer rush.
1. Time-Saving Solutions: The Power of Express Lanes
Express lanes are a game-changer for summer travel, offering a faster, more predictable route when congestion peaks. Managed lanes, such as the TEXpress Lanes in Dallas-Fort Worth, use dynamic toll pricing to balance demand and ensure consistent travel speeds.
During holiday weekends like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, when roadways see a surge in travelers, express lanes provide critical relief. For example, a traveler on the LBJ Express in Dallas can save up to 40 minutes compared to general-purpose lanes—extra time that could be spent enjoying the beach, a barbecue, or a national park instead of sitting in traffic.
2. Help is Just a Call Away: 24/7 Roadside Assistance
A flat tire, an overheated engine, or an unexpected breakdown can quickly derail summer vacation plans. That’s why Ferrovial’s express lanes offer 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring help is just a call away. This service is available across several major corridors, including the I-77 Express in North Carolina and I-66 Express Outside the Beltway in Virginia.
With roads more crowded during peak summer travel weekends, the demand for roadside support increases. Having access to dedicated assistance not only speeds up response times but also reduces risks for all drivers, keeping traffic moving smoothly.
3. Smart Highways: AI Keeps Summer Travel Moving
Artificial intelligence is transforming how highways operate, making real-time adjustments to predict and prevent congestion before it happens. AI-powered traffic monitoring systems analyze data from thousands of sensors, adjusting toll prices dynamically to keep express lanes moving efficiently.
For instance, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, these AI-driven systems help prevent bottlenecks by redirecting traffic and managing lane speeds in real time. With summer travel at its peak, these innovations help keep roadways flowing, reducing frustrating delays and making road trips more enjoyable.
4. Safety First: Reducing Risks on the Road
Safety is always a priority, but it’s especially critical during summer holidays, which are among the busiest and most dangerous travel periods in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Memorial Day weekend consistently ranks as one of the deadliest times to be on the road.
Express lanes are designed with enhanced safety features, including:
- High-visibility signage for better lane guidance
- Advanced lighting to improve nighttime visibility
- Rumble strips to prevent drowsy driving accidents
Additionally, safety patrols on managed lanes—like those on the LBJ Express—are increased during peak summer travel periods, ensuring rapid response times in the event of an incident.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or a summer festival, express lanes, AI-powered traffic management, and 24/7 roadside assistance help ensure a smoother ride. As you plan your summer adventures, consider using express lanes to make your travel faster, safer, and less stressful.