What does a dynamic smart motorway involve?

A dynamic smart motorway incorporates the opening of the hard shoulder as an active running lane during periods of heavy traffic. This approach is designed to alleviate congestion and enhance traffic flow by increasing the number of available lanes when demand is high. The hard shoulder, typically reserved for emergency situations, can be safely used as a lane for regular vehicles, thus optimizing the road's capacity without having to build additional lanes.

This system is often supported by variable message signs and technology that monitors traffic conditions, allowing for real-time lane management. The flexibility of this system helps to reduce delays and maintain smoother traffic movement, which is a central goal of smart motorway designs. Other operational strategies may involve adjusting speed limits, but the key feature of a dynamic smart motorway is the utilization of the hard shoulder for standard vehicle traffic during peak times.