Fosse Way

The solution

In partnership with MICHELIN Mobility Intelligence, Arcadis brought together the best of consultancy expertise and cutting-edge driving behaviour data to help Warwickshire County Council take bold, evidence-led action. While traditional collision data was sparse and scattered, MICHELIN’s near-miss data provided a clearer, real-time view of high-risk locations. By combining that with Arcadis’ road safety knowledge and analytical tools, we created a unique solution; an online tool that enabled the council to proactively diagnose problems and prioritise the most effective interventions.

This was more than a standard safety audit, it was an ambitious, experimental pilot designed to test the limits of innovation. Warwickshire’s openness to new thinking allowed Arcadis and MICHELIN to use AI and machine learning to turn data into actionable insight, resulting in a powerful new way to tackle road safety challenges before tragedy strikes. This solution could become a blueprint for road safety across the UK and beyond.

How does it work? 

A wide range of data sets are fed into the model, including recorded crashes, near-misses or dangerous driving events. Other relevant information, such as traffic patterns, weather patterns, points of interest along the route that may affect driving speeds and infrastructure information then provides a comprehensive, holistic view of driver decision making. The model then produces multiple beneficial outcomes for our clients, such as a risk assessment that can include hotspot areas or school zone assessments, and a diagnostic tool to support site specific recommendations for improvements.

The impact

At its core, the Fosse Way project is about preventing serious and even fatal accidents. By using near-miss data and predictive analytics, Arcadis and MICHELIN helped Warwickshire County Council shift from a reactive to a proactive safety model.

The project has empowered the council to make smarter, more impactful use of safety funds. Rather than only investing in known ‘crash cluster’ sites, the project’s approach allowed for a more strategic spread of interventions across the entire corridor. This systemic method not only improves safety more effectively but ensures communities along the Fosse Way all benefit from the upgrades.

Secondly, the data also helped to enhance the business case for additional funding. At a key risk location, the additional near-miss data produced by the Arcadis/MICHELIN model was enough to move ahead in securing £2.5m for extra road safety, when before the number of collisions were just below the necessary threshold. Efficient spending and additional funding both mean that the client can deliver lasting change on the ground for the people who travel these roads every day.