Case Study: Maintaining Revenue Continuity via Video-Based Detection and Classification (VDX) during CTRMA Infrastructure Modifications

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) maintained 100% revenue continuity during complex road construction by deploying Kapsch VDX (Video-based Detection and Classification). This non-intrusive, overhead solution replaced legacy in-ground sensors, utilising software-defined detection zones to instantly adapt to lane shifts without civil engineering interventions. The project is validating that optical axle counting is ready for North American classification KPIs while eliminating the physical constraints of traditional in-pavement infrastructure. Following the success of this initial phase, CTRMA is pursuing expanding deployments.

The Operational Challenge: Tolling Precision in Active Construction Zones

For tolling operators, road construction projects introduce significant variables to revenue assurance, specifically regarding lane alignment.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) faced this issue during extensive road modifications that required dynamic traffic shifts. The existing legacy system utilized in-ground loops and treadles for detection and classification. As construction crews shifted traffic flows to accommodate work zones, the fixed nature of in-ground sensors created a point of failure. The misalignment between temporary lanes and buried sensors threatened to degrade detection accuracy and interrupt revenue collection.

CTRMA required a detection solution capable of adapting to variable lane configurations without the latency or capital expense associated with reinstalling physical in-ground hardware.

The Solution: Non-Intrusive Video-Based Detection (VDX)

CTRMA deployed the Kapsch VDX, an optical detection and classification system. In contrast to legacy inductive loop and treadle configurations, the VDX utilises overhead mounting to perform axle counting and vehicle classification via video processing.

The technical fit for the CTRMA deployment relied on three core capabilities:

• Minimally Invasive Hardware Profile: The VDX units possess a compact form factor, allowing for installation on existing overhead infrastructure. This eliminated the need for new gantry construction or significant structural reinforcement engineering.
• Non-Intrusive Implementation: Utilising optical processing removed the requirement for pavement cutting. This mitigated the risk of sensor damage during milling or paving operations and preserved road surface integrity.
• Software-Defined Detection Zones: The primary operational advantage was the system's virtual configuration capabilities. As construction phases necessitated lane shifts, detection zones were re-mapped via software rather than physical relocation. This ensured the tolling capture point remained aligned with the traffic flow instantly upon lane realignment.

Deployment Methodology and Timeline

The VDX solution significantly compressed the deployment schedule bypassing the civil works required for in-ground systems.

Following the approval of bracket engineering, physical installation was completed during scheduled low-traffic windows across three nights. The full project lifecycle - encompassing equipment installation, calibration, and system validation - was executed in less than a month.

Performance Validation and Revenue Continuity

To ensure revenue continuity, the VDX system was installed and operated in parallel with the legacy sensors during a validation phase, ultimately validating improved performance.

The system is being benchmarked against North American market Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for detection accuracy and image quality. Upon meeting agreed validation thresholds, the system crossover was executed. The legacy in-ground system was decommissioned, and the VDX assumed primary tolling operations with zero downtime or continuity loss recorded during the transition.

Technical Implications for Infrastructure Management

The CTRMA deployment validates the VDX as a field-proven alternative to intrusive logic systems. For technical project managers, video-based detection offers distinct operational advantages in dynamic environments:

• Implementation Velocity: Reduced civil engineering requirements allow for accelerated time-to-revenue.
• Configuration Agility: Software-based zone adjustments accommodate variable lane geometry without physical intervention.
• System Integrity: Non-intrusive mounting isolates detection hardware from road surface degradation and construction risks.

Take a closer look at more projects in North America here.