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Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology

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A special issue of Infrastructures (ISSN 2412-3811).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 7517

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dimitrios Nikolaou

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Guest Editor

Department of Transportation Planning and Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
Interests: traffic engineering; road safety; crash analysis; statistical and econometric methods; machine learning; spatial analyses; data science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Panagiotis Papantoniou

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Guest Editor

Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering, University of West Attica (UNIWA), Athens, Greece
Interests: road safety; driver behaviour; road design; sustainable mobility; intelligent transport systems; planning of transportation systems
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Safe road design is fundamental to ensuring road safety, as it plays a crucial role in preventing road crashes and accommodating evolving transportation technologies. As urbanization increases and new mobility solutions emerge, it is essential to rethink traditional road designs to meet future demands. Incorporating innovative features such as smart infrastructure, adaptive road systems, and safety-focused design for vulnerable road users (VRUs) can significantly enhance the resilience of transportation networks. Furthermore, road design should also consider environmental factors, human behaviours, and the integration of advanced technologies to create safer and more efficient roads. With the rise of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), future road designs will need to adapt to new traffic patterns and technological advancements, ensuring that all road users are better protected and supported. This proactive approach to road design is essential not only for enhancing current road safety but also for preparing transportation systems to meet future challenges.

This Special Issue aims to present state-of-the-art research related to the latest innovations and advancements in road design and safety technology, with a focus on creating safer, more efficient, and resilient road systems for the future.

Potential topics for submissions include but are not limited to the following:

Emerging road design approaches to enhance traffic safety;
Smart roads and adaptive infrastructure;
Advanced safety features for vulnerable road users (VRUs) (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders);
Data-driven approaches for identifying high-risk road segments;
AI-enhanced traffic management and predictive analytics for crash prevention;
The role of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in improving traffic flow, safety, and incident management;
Systems and interventions relating to connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs);
Human factors and behavioural insights in road safety design;
Environmental and climate considerations in road design for resilient infrastructure.

Dr. Dimitrios Nikolaou
Dr. Panagiotis Papantoniou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Infrastructures is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

road/traffic safety
road design
smart infrastructure
smart traffic
transportation systems

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Related Special Issue

Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology, 2nd Edition in Infrastructures

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 1534 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Stated Preference Data for Identifying Driving Behaviour Patterns of Last-Mile Delivery Professionals

by Dimosthenis Pavlou, Panagiotis Papantoniou, Vasiliki Amprasi, Chiara Gruden, Athanasios I. Koukounaris, Eva Michelaraki, Dimitrios Nikolaou and Konstantina Marousi

Infrastructures 2025, 10(12), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10120342 - 10 Dec 2025

Viewed by 115

Abstract

The role of last-mile delivery professionals is becoming increasingly vital in modern urban logistics, driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and rising consumer expectations for fast and reliable services. This study aimed to analyse the decision-making patterns of last-mile delivery professionals through stated preference data. To achieve this, a stated-preference questionnaire was conducted with 333 riders aged 18–65 from Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Slovenia. A random parameter logit (RPL) model was applied to evaluate the influence of factors such as driving behaviour, delivery time and salary type on decision-making in hypothetical scenarios. Results showed that driving behaviour, trip duration and salary type significantly affected respondents’ preferences. Participants displayed a strong preference for flat salaries, indicating the importance of income stability over performance-based pay. Driving behaviour was also crucial, as respondents favoured legal and safe practices. Interestingly, while shorter delivery times were generally preferred, several scenarios revealed a tolerance for longer durations, possibly reflecting perceived benefits such as safer routes or reduced stress. Comparative analyses also revealed regional differences in vehicle use, work patterns and safety perceptions. The study highlights the need for tailored training programs on safety compliance, route optimization and time management, alongside hybrid salary structures balancing stability and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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12 pages, 827 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Superelevation Runoff Method in Circular Arcs for Mountainous Terrain Alignments

by Antonios E. Trakakis, Vassilios Matragos, Konstantinos Apostoleris, Kiriakos Amiridis, Stergios Mavromatis, Nikiforos Stamatiadis and Basil Psarianos

Infrastructures 2025, 10(12), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10120319 - 24 Nov 2025

Viewed by 220

Abstract

Despite the recognized importance of spiral curve implementation in highway design, several design manuals permit spiral omission depending on the geometric layout and the performance characteristics of road users. A critical safety issue associated with these methodologies arises from the potential exceedance of the maximum allowable side friction coefficient and the design utilization factor on a circular arc, particularly under wet pavement conditions. The present study aims to address a gap in geometric design manuals and the international literature by optimizing the superelevation design of the runoff section in the tangent-to-curve transition for circular arcs in mountainous terrain with a maximum design superelevation rate of up to 5%. The proposed methodology is supported by an analysis based on fundamental vehicle dynamics equilibrium equations, aiming to resolve concerns among practitioners regarding the elimination of superelevation rate transitions within the circular arc itself, with particular focus on the evaluation of the utilization factor and the applicability in icy conditions. The comparative evaluation of the demanded utilization factors resulting from this method and those defined by existing guidelines, along with the safety levels it maintains under icy conditions (i.e., compound slope up to 10%), encourages its immediate implementation in circular arcs with a design superelevation rate up to 5%, as well as further investigation into the potential application of this method in circular arcs with a design superelevation rate greater than 5% in mountainous and rolling terrains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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23 pages, 603 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Contribution of Road Infrastructure and Environmental Factors to Crash Severity at Intersections in Mixed Traffic Settings

by Steffel Ludivin Tezong Feudjio, Isaac Ndumbe Jackai II, Elvis Chia Ngwah, Stephen Kome Fondzenyuy, Tevoh Lordswill Ndingwan, Davide Shingo Usami and Luca Persia

Infrastructures 2025, 10(12), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10120317 - 21 Nov 2025

Viewed by 358

Abstract

Road traffic crashes claim approximately 1.19 million lives annually worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing a disproportionately high share of this burden. Intersections in these contexts are particularly hazardous due to mixed, non-lane-based traffic and infrastructural constraints. This study analysed 1242 police-reported intersection crashes (2021–2025) from Douala and Yaoundé, Cameroon, using binary probit and logistic regression models to identify infrastructural and environmental determinants of crash severity. Results from both models were consistent, indicating that late-night and early-morning crashes (00:00–05:59) significantly increased the probability of severe outcomes by 13.5% (p-value < 0.05), while single-lane roads raised it by 21.5% (p-value < 0.05; OR = 5.38), and two-lane roads raised the probability by 9.1% (p-value < 0.05; OR = 3.90) compared with multilane sections. Additionally, centre lines were associated with safer outcomes than physical separation (p-value < 0.05; OR = 0.30). Although model fit indices were modest (Nagelkerke R² = 0.118), typical of cross-sectional crash-severity models, the findings underscore the dominant influence of road geometry and lighting-related temporal exposure in shaping intersection crash outcomes. These insights provide a basis for targeted interventions such as road widening, improved night-time illumination, and simplified midblock designs to enhance safety in Cameroon and similar LMIC urban settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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32 pages, 3299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanistic-Empirical Analysis of LDPE-SBS-Modified Asphalt Concrete Mix with RAP Subjected to Various Traffic and Climatic Loading Conditions

by Muhammad Haris, Asad Naseem, Sarfraz Ahmed, Muhammad Kashif and Ahsan Naseem

Infrastructures 2025, 10(11), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10110288 - 30 Oct 2025

Viewed by 499

Abstract

The current global economic challenges and resource scarcity necessitate the development of cost-effective and sustainable pavement solutions. This study investigates the performance of asphalt mixtures modified with Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS) as binder modifiers, and Hydrated Lime (Ca(OH)₂) and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as aggregate replacements. The research aims to optimize the combination of these materials for enhancing the durability, sustainability, and mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures under various climatic and traffic conditions. Asphalt mixtures were modified with 5% LDPE and 2–6% SBS (by bitumen weight), with 2% Hydrated Lime and 15% RAP added to the mix. The performance of these mixtures was evaluated using the Simple Performance Tester (SPT), focusing on rutting, cracking, and fatigue resistance at varying temperatures and loading frequencies. The NCHRP 09-29 Master Solver was employed to generate master curves for input into the AASHTOWare Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), allowing for an in-depth analysis of the modified mixes under different traffic and climatic conditions. Results indicated that the mix containing 5% LDPE, 2% SBS, 2% Hydrated Lime, and 15% RAP achieved the best performance, reducing rutting, fatigue cracking, and the International Roughness Index (IRI), and improving overall pavement durability. The combination of these modifiers showed enhanced moisture resistance, high-temperature rutting resistance, and improved dynamic modulus. Notably, the study revealed that in warm climates, thicker pavements with this optimal mix exhibited reduced permanent deformation and better fatigue resistance, while in cold climates, the inclusion of 2% SBS further improved the mix’s low-temperature performance. The findings suggest that the incorporation of LDPE, SBS, Hydrated Lime, and RAP offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for improving the mechanical properties and lifespan of asphalt pavements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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16 pages, 2880 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Assessment of Vertical Precision of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Geodetic Survey for Road Construction: A Multi-Platform and Multi-Software Approach

by Brankica Malić, Vladimir Moser, Damir Rajle, Saša Kulić and Ivana Barišić

Infrastructures 2025, 10(11), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10110287 - 30 Oct 2025

Viewed by 598

Abstract

Accurate geodetic surveys are essential for road design, with altimetric accuracy being particularly critical. UAV photogrammetry offers faster and safer data acquisition than conventional methods, but its applicability depends on whether it can meet engineering accuracy standards. This study investigates the altimetric accuracy of UAV photogrammetry through a comparative assessment of surveys conducted on the same urban roundabout in Osijek, Croatia, in 2016 and 2024. By conducting the surveys eight years apart at the same location, the study allows for an assessment of how technological and methodological developments affect survey outcomes. The research evaluates different UAVs and multiple SfM software packages in a comparative framework, highlighting how UAV–software combinations affect results, rather than attributing accuracy solely to hardware or processing. The results of the conducted research indicate a significant increase in the accuracy of the UAV photogrammetric survey method. Through a proper combination of UAVs and SfM processing software, it is possible to achieve an accuracy within 2 cm and an RMSE of 1.2 cm, which is in line with the accuracy of a standard survey method like GNSS CROPOS. The results underline that UAV photogrammetry, when properly planned and executed, can now deliver altimetric accuracy sufficient for most road construction tasks, providing a reliable and cost-effective alternative to conventional geodetic surveys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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14 pages, 2707 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Investigation into the Performance of Artificial High Friction Aggregates Manufactured Using Geopolymer Cement-Based Mortars

by Allistair Wilkinson, Bryan Magee, David Woodward, Svetlana Tretsiakova-McNally and Patrick Lemoine

Infrastructures 2025, 10(8), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10080218 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 696

Abstract

Despite local and national road authorities striving to provide motorists with a durable and safe infrastructure environment, one in six UK roads are currently classed as being in poor condition. In terms of safety, Department for Transport statistics report high numbers of road incidents; 29,711 killed or seriously injured in 2023, representing little change compared to 2022. As such, reported in this paper is research aimed at developing artificial geopolymer cement mortar-based aggregate as a cost/environmentally attractive alternative to calcined bauxite for high friction surfacing applications. Work was undertaken in two distinct phases. In the first, the performance of alkali silicate-based geopolymers comprising a range of industrial wastes as binder materials was assessed using modified versions of standardized polished stone value and micro-Deval tests. In phase two, selected mixes were assessed for resistance to simulated wear by exposing test specimens to 20,000-wheel passes on an accelerated road test machine. Performance was further investigated using a dynamic friction test method developed by the Indiana Department of Transportation. Despite commercially sourced calcined bauxite aggregates exhibiting the highest performance levels, the findings from this preliminary research were generally positive, with acceptable levels of performance noted for manufactured geopolymer-based aggregates. For instance, in accordance with recommended levels of performance prescribed in BBA/HAPPAS standards, this included attainment of polished stone values higher than 65 and, following accelerated road testing, average texture depths greater than 1.1 mm. It is recognized that further research is needed to investigate geopolymer binder systems and blends of aggregate types, as well as artificial aggregate manufacturing procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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19 pages, 3365 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Causal Factor in Highway–Railroad-Grade Crossing Crashes: A Comparative Analysis

by Yubo Wang, Yubo Jiao, Liping Fu and Qiangqiang Shangguan

Infrastructures 2025, 10(8), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10080216 - 18 Aug 2025

Viewed by 929

Abstract

Identification of causal factors in traffic crashes has always been a significant challenge in road safety studies. Traditional crash prediction models are limited in elucidating the underlying causal mechanisms in road crashes. This research explores the application of three graphic models, namely, the Gaussian graphical model (GGM), causal Bayesian network (CBN) and graphic extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), through a case study using highway–railroad-grade crossing (HRGC) inventory and collision data from Canada. The three modelling approaches have generally yielded consistent findings on various risk factors such as crossing control type, track angle, and exposure, showing their potential for identifying causal relationships through the interpretation of causal graphs. With the ability to make better causal inferences from crash data, the effectiveness of safety countermeasures could be more accurately and reliably estimated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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14 pages, 1599 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Roads’ Passing Sight Distance Control Along Crest Vertical Curves

by Stergios Mavromatis, Vassilios Matragos, Konstantinos Markos and Antonios Kontizas

Infrastructures 2025, 10(8), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10080215 - 15 Aug 2025

Viewed by 968

Abstract

Passing sight distance (PSD) is a vital design element that directly imposes economic, as well as safety and operational, considerations. The provision of PSD is highly prioritized, at least for rural road sections without additional passing lanes. The paper investigates areas with PSD inadequacy on rural roads with crest vertical curves. The research is based on the German rural roads design guidelines, where PSD is currently dependent on the homogeneousness of the proposed road design classes and no longer on speed. Therefore, the required PSD for all the examined design classes was set to 600 m. The interaction between the road surface and the line of sight between the passing and the opposing vehicles was assessed through six different cases, while every case was associated with the resulting formulas. The analysis revealed that, excluding one situation for the EKL4 design class, the boundaries of PSD inadequacy were concentrated in advance and inside the vertical curve, and do not depend on the grade difference of the vertical curve but only on the crest vertical curvature rate value. The paper delivers a ready-to-use tool for engineers to identify areas with inadequate PSD in the early stages of the design process and avoid implementing costly additional passing lanes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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42 pages, 5471 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimising Cyclist Road-Safety Scenarios Through Angle-of-View Analysis Using Buffer and GIS Mapping Techniques

by Zahra Yaghoobloo, Giuseppina Pappalardo and Michele Mangiameli

Infrastructures 2025, 10(7), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10070184 - 11 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1588

Abstract

In the present era, achieving sustainability requires the development of planning strategies to develop a safer urban infrastructure. This study examines the realistic aspects of cyclist safety by analysing cyclists’ fields of view, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis. The research introduces novel geoprocessing tools-based GIS techniques that mathematically simulate cyclists’ angles of view and the distances to nearby environmental features. It provides precise insights into some potential hazards and infrastructure challenges encountered while cycling. This research focuses on managing and analysing the data collected, utilising OpenStreetMap (OSM) as vector-based supporting data. It integrates cyclists’ behavioural data with the urban environmental features encountered, such as intersections, road design, and traffic controls. The analysis is categorised into specific classes to evaluate the impacts of these aspects of the environment on cyclists’ behaviours. The current investigation highlights the importance of integrating the objective environmental elements surrounding the route with subjective perceptions and then determining the influence of these environmental elements on cyclists’ behaviours. Unlike previous studies that ignore cyclists’ visual perspectives in the context of real-world data, this work integrates objective GIS data with cyclists’ field of view-based modelling to identify high-risk areas and highlight the need for enhanced safety measures. The proposed approach equips urban planners and designers with data-informed strategies for creating safer cycling infrastructure, fostering sustainable mobility, and mitigating urban congestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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Review

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38 pages, 967 KB

Open AccessReview

Environmentally Sustainable and Climate-Adapted Bitumen–Composite Materials for Road Construction in Central Asia

by Gulbarshin K. Shambilova, Rinat M. Iskakov, Nurgul K. Shazhdekeyeva, Bayan U. Kuanbayeva, Mikhail S. Kuzin, Ivan Yu. Skvortsov and Igor S. Makarov

Infrastructures 2025, 10(12), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10120345 - 12 Dec 2025

Viewed by 264

Abstract

This review examines scientific and engineering strategies for adapting bituminous and asphalt concrete materials to the highly diverse climates of Central Asia. The region’s sharp gradients—from arid lowlands to cold mountainous zones—expose pavements to thermal fatigue, photo-oxidative aging, freeze–thaw cycles, and wind abrasion. Existing climatic classifications and principles for designing thermally and radiatively resilient pavements are summarized. Special emphasis is placed on linking binder morphology, rheology, and climate-induced transformations in composite bituminous systems. Advanced characterization methods—including dynamic shear rheometry (DSR), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), bending beam rheometry (BBR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS), supported by FTIR, SEM, and AFM—enable quantitative correlations between phase composition, oxidative chemistry, and mechanical performance. The influence of polymeric, nanostructured, and biopolymeric modifiers on stability and durability is critically assessed. The review promotes region-specific material design and the use of integrated accelerated aging protocols (RTFOT, PAV, UV, freeze–thaw) that replicate local climatic stresses. A climatic rheological profile is proposed as a unified framework combining climate mapping with microstructural and rheological data to guide the development of sustainable and durable pavements for Central Asia. Key rheological indicators—complex modulus (G*), non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), and the BBR m-value—are incorporated into this profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safer Roads Ahead: Exploring the Latest Innovations and Advancements in Road Design and Safety Technology)

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