The challenge consists of improving the maintenance process of road delineators located along the I-77 highway in Charlotte, NC. Selected proposals can win up to €15,000 for piloting.
- Participants can join the challenge and download the complete description of the competition here: https://www.ennomotive.com/road-delineator-maintenance/
- The deadline for submissions is April 6th
Cintra, with Ferrovial Agroman as the main constructor, has added electronically-tolled Managed Lanes along 26 miles of Interstate 77 in northern Charlotte, North Carolina. After construction is finished, I-77 Mobility Partners (I-77 MP), a consortium led by Cintra, will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project.
The I-77 Express Lanes run adjacent to the existing general-purpose free lanes, separated by plastic delineators. The purpose of them is to prohibit toll violators from entering or exiting the toll lane without passing a toll booth.
The Concession Agreement (CA) requires all damaged or missing delineation posts/reflectors to be replaced. Furthermore, current delineators must be cleaned to meet reflectivity specifications. Spray cleaning solutions have been tested, but the dirt is incredibly difficult to remove.
The main goal of this challenge is to find a solution to reduce the maintenance costs while complying with the contract requirements. Participants are encouraged to be as innovative and creative as possible.
There are two rounds to this challenge. The first round takes place from February 25-Abril 6 followed by an evaluation period until April 27. The second round lasts from May 1-May 28, with the final evaluation period until June 11.
Participants can win up to €15,000. Those that submit the best solutions from round 1 will share €3,000 if they deliver detailed solutions in round 2. The best solution from round 2 that meets the evaluation criteria will be awarded €12,000 + 30% IP rights, as long as there is a patentable solution.
The client may even be interested in a pilot development of the winning solution.
