(Image: Supplied)
A North East transport team is winning international recognition for a pioneering system designed to cut congestion and improve traffic flow.
The Tees Valley Digital Transport team won two major awards in September for its Tees Valley Traffic Digital Twin.
The project won the Digital Transformation and AI Award at the 2026 Highways Awards and the Smart Mobility Center’s Smarter Traffic Technology Award at the 2026 Global Cities Executive Summit in Toronto.
The TVCA Digital Transport Team with Aimsun and Yunex Traffic picking up the Digital Transformation and AI Award at the 2026 Highways Awards for the Tees Valley Traffic Digital Twin (Image: Supplied)
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "This is fantastic recognition for the cutting-edge work our team is doing to make journeys quicker and more reliable for people using our roads.
"Nobody enjoys sitting in traffic or waiting for a late bus.
"We’re backing technology which is already cutting delays and helping people get where they need to be more quickly.
"I’m incredibly proud of Sean and Andrea, and everyone behind these projects.
"We’ll keep pushing forward so Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool all benefit from one of the smartest transport networks in the country."
The Digital Twin uses live data and artificial intelligence to manage road networks more effectively, working with Aimsun and Yunex Traffic.
It uses real-time data from roadside sensors and buses to predict traffic patterns, adjust signals and cut delays.
It is the UK’s first fully operational, region-wide, AI-enabled traffic digital twin built into an Urban Traffic Management and Control system.
Cllr Steve Harker, TVCA Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said: "These awards are well-deserved recognition for the Digital Transport team and the strong partnership behind its work.
"The systems may be complex behind the scenes, but their purpose is simple: make better use of the roads and signals we already have so traffic can keep moving.
"The results show this approach is making a practical difference.
"By working closely with our local authority and technology partners, we can continue improving journeys for everyone on our roads across the Tees Valley."
The Digital Twin also won the Technology and Digital Transformation Award at the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation Awards in London in June.
The Tees Valley FUSION system was runner-up in the Best Use of New Technology category at the Highways Awards.
FUSION uses real-time traffic data to adjust signal timings instead of fixed schedules.
At six monitored sites, the system saved about 5,000 hours of travel time in one year.
Delays were halved in some areas.
The projects were delivered through collaboration between the Combined Authority’s Digital Transport team, the Urban Traffic Management and Control Centre, the region’s five councils, Aimsun and Yunex Traffic.
Sean Fryer, TVCA’s digital transport delivery manager and Intelligent Transport Systems UK lead, is now co-chair of ITS UK North.
The regional group brings together transport authorities, operators, technology firms and researchers to give Northern England a stronger voice in intelligent transport and share expertise.
Mr Fryer was recently featured in CIHT’s Transportation Professional magazine in “Double Vision on Digital Twins and Sustainability”, an article about the benefits of traffic digital twins.
TVCA’s Digital Transport team is developing its smart transport technology to cut congestion and improve the road network’s efficiency.
The team’s achievements show how digital technology can tackle transport problems and put the Tees Valley at the forefront of innovation.
Stockton Council was also shortlisted for a Hartburn road safety scheme at the Highways Awards.