Roadworks on the M25 can now be scheduled using traffic flow forecasts that extend up to 24 months. This allows planners to pick optimal times for lane closures and major works, reducing disruption.
Alchera Technologies provides this forecasting service. The Cambridge-based company uses artificial intelligence to analyse multiple data sources and predict traffic patterns well in advance. It has just raised £2.7m in seed funding to expand the platform’s reach to more councils and highways operators across the UK.
Cutting analysis from weeks to seconds
Alchera’s platform gathers and cleans data from various origins, including bus locations, traffic signals, vehicle movements and weather conditions. This comprehensive dataset feeds machine learning algorithms that identify traffic trends and forecast future flows.
The company says it has a patent-pending method for traffic modelling. According to Alchera, the platform cuts transport analysis time from weeks to seconds, accelerating decision-making for roadworks planning and network management.
Supporting UK road operators
Highways authorities use the forecasts to assess the impact of planned works on traffic. By predicting how busy a specific stretch will be on particular dates, planners can avoid clashes with major events or other roadworks, improving traffic management across networks.
While the M25 scheme is the highest profile application, Alchera’s customers include local authorities monitoring bus performance and network resilience. The platform combines both public and customer-owned data sources for its predictions.
Why early forecasts reduce disruption
Major road closures or lane restrictions often require booking months ahead. Getting the timing wrong causes unnecessary queues and delays. Forecasting traffic up to two years ahead gives planners a stronger basis for choosing when to carry out works.
This can lower delay costs for drivers and improve overall traffic flow during roadworks periods. It also helps highways operators to coordinate multiple projects and events more effectively.
Backing growth in a data-rich market
Alchera’s £2.7m seed round includes £2m led by Maven Capital Partners through the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund. Additional investors are the Bayes Entrepreneurship Fund, The FSE Group and Innovate UK’s Investor Partnerships programme. Existing investor Cambridge Applied Research also took part.
The funds will help the company develop its product further, speed up deployment for new customers and drive expansion across the UK.
Founded in Cambridge in 2016 and led by CEO Anna Jordan, Alchera has more than doubled its customer base over the past year. It expects similar growth over the next 12 months.
Context in UK traffic monitoring
Other AI-based traffic tools are already in use on local roads. Cumberland, for example, has introduced an AI traffic monitoring system. However, Alchera’s ability to forecast traffic flows up to two years ahead is a distinctive feature focused on strategic roadworks planning.
The company has not disclosed staff numbers or contract values. Performance claims come from Alchera itself and have not been independently verified.
