In this project, Heusch/Boesefeldt developed the control system for the tunnel traffic computer and for the display panels in the vicinity of the tunnel. The control measures for the displays in the tunnel was redesigned in coordination with the tunnel operations. The existing sub-center control system of the adjacent ATMS A3 was replaced by our system.

The Katzenberg Tunnel [KBT] is a 570-meter-long road tunnel on the BAB 3 motorway between the Würzburg-Heidingsfeld and Würzburg/Randersacker junctions. It is part of the expansion of the motorway between Aschaffenburg and Nuremberg.

The north tube was opened in February 2018, followed by the south tube in fall 2020. Both tubes have been open to traffic in both directions since December 20, 2020.

Normally, a speed limit of 100 km/h applies in the tunnel,  if necessary, however, it can be changed by means of variable traffic signs [VMS]. These VMS are controlled by the traffic computer tunnel [VR-TU] developed by HB.

Tunnel operations receives the operating and setting states of the display panels in the tunnel via a WANCom interface. In addition to traffic control, the VR-TU also implements the tunnel control requirements and integrates these requirements, communicated via PLC, into the traffic control system. To do so, the VR-TU communicates with the PLC control system of the tunnel operations.

In addition, the VR-TU supports various traffic management systems for one-way and two-way traffic, as well as the transition between these traffic management systems. The status of the traffic management  is also transmitted via the PLC connection, in this case in direction to the tunnel operations.

Finally, the ATMS adjacent to the KBT was integrated into the VR-TU control system, so that it now controls a continuous ATMS between AS Helmstadt (km 274.7) and AK Biebelried (km 301.4).

This ATMS already existed before the Katzenberg Tunnel was commissioned and was controlled by its own SC, which was replaced by the combined system with the tunnel control system. A simulation environment is available alongside the productive system for optimization ant training purposes.