FIMA BR, a Belarus-based subsidiary of FIMA, the intelligent engineering solutions company, has successfully completed several transport infrastructure modernisation projects in Minsk. The city’s busy streets now feature modern traffic control systems that allow for more effective control of transport flows and ensure the safety of pedestrians.

Responding to a requirement of the National Transport Inspectorate, which regulates the city’s traffic infrastructure, modern traffic light control systems were installed at the three pedestrian crossings with the highest accident rate, while a traffic light crossing was installed near a new shopping centre on behalf of the property developer.

According to Dmitrij Šadčenev, FIMA’s Development Manager in Belarus: "For the most part, the traffic-lights used in Minsk are based on light diodes (200 to 300 light diodes each). As some of these burn out, the brightness of the traffic lights falls dramatically; hence, when the sun shines, drivers may not be able to see the traffic light change colour. The traffic lights we have installed are more technologically advanced, and the lenses used in them prevent the so-called phantom effect."

According to Mr Šadčenev, the new equipment, manufactured by FIMA BR in Belarus in line with local requirements, is easy and convenient to assemble and simple to operate. The traffic lights are simple to install, with no additional parts required; subsequent repairs are straightforward and convenient. It only takes 10-15 minutes to replace a broken part and there is no need to take the traffic lights apart to do this. In contrast, the old traffic lights would need full disassembly, transport to a repair centre and workers would have to put up temporary traffic lights in the interim.

According to Mr Šadčenev, the new equipment uses 50 per cent less electricity, which in turn cuts operating costs.

In the spring, FIMA BR will install induction loops at the modernised crossings. These will calculate and analyse transport flows and provide the authorities with the information that is needed to make traffic control decisions in the city.

In Minsk FIMA BR started the traffic infrastructure modernisation works in 2012, with a pilot project commissioned by the National Transport Inspectorate. The project involved implementation of a wireless traffic flow sensor system and modern traffic light control equipment at some of the busiest intersections in the city. This contributed to the throughput of transport flows significantly.

FIMA also integrates other technologies into Minsk’s transport infrastructure. For example, since 2011 all old push buttons at the pedestrian crossings in Minsk are being replaced. As many as 300 new push buttons have already been installed in the streets of Minsk. These have been produced by FIMA BR in Belarus. "We also have several pilot projects underway. At one of the extremely busy crossings we are now testing a video detector, which calculates and analyses transport flows. Our plans also include testing a public transport priority system,” representative of the Belarusian company pointed out.

FIMA first entered the Belarus market in 2010 when it established a subsidiary, FIMA BR. The company is an active player in areas beyond transport infrastructure projects: it also implements complex engineering solutions in water parks, business and shopping centres and industrial projects. In 2014, FIMA BR will complete its largest Belarus-based project: the company is implementing almost twenty systems’ installation project in hotel, entertainment and sports complex which is under construction following a commission by Qatari investors.