Realizing the Trans-European Road Network: Challenges, Approaches, and Intelligent Transportation Systems Applications for Providing Seamless Information to the European Traveler and Hauler

The European Union (EU) has identified the Trans-European Networks of Transport as a promising alternative that enables the sustainable (i.e., safe, economical, and environmentally friendly) mobility of people and goods in order to realize a unified market, and strengthen its economic and social cohesion. The focus is on the Trans-European Road Network-TERN that is somehow similar to the US National Freeway Network. As defined, the TERN includes, in addition to the infrastructure, Traffic Management and Information Systems as well as Positioning and Navigation Systems, which are supported by appropriate Information and Communication Technologies, and is characterized by encouraging inter-modality (optimal combination of different transportation modes) while promoting co-modality (optimal use of exiting capacities of the transportation alternatives). Apparently, making the TERN a reality is an ambitious goal due to a number of challenges. The current paper presents the efforts and latest developments that have been taken at EU level towards this, and addresses the following issues. First, the authors describe the objectives that the TERN should meet and present its corresponding attributes. Second, the authors provide a concise overview of the EU actions completed or scheduled for realizing it, focusing on planning and construction of the TERN, such TERN policy measures as instruments, legislation, etc., and finally, Intelligent Transportation Systems deployment initiatives and application examples. Finally, the authors describe the developed technical solutions regarding the exchange of data and the harmonization of Variable Message Signs towards promoting interconnection/interoperability for providing the European driver seamless traveler/traffic/freight information services, and comment on the overall approach.