The Challenge
The Nordhavnsvej Tunnel is one of Copenhagen’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent decades and forms part of the city’s long-term strategy to move heavy freight traffic from Nordhavn directly onto the motorway network instead of through central Copenhagen.
High traffic volumes, low visibility, and strict safety requirements called for a robust vehicle recognition solution capable of operating 24/7 in a confined, climate-exposed environment.
Accurate identification of vehicles entering and exiting the tunnel was particularly important due to the route’s role as a key corridor for hazardous goods transport. In the event of an accident, fire, or blocked traffic flow inside the tunnel, operators need immediate visibility into what types of dangerous goods may be present in order to coordinate the correct emergency response. The system also enables recognition of hazardous goods placards (ADR) and classification of vehicles by make and model.
The Solution
Working in partnership with AFRY Danmark A/S, Adaptive Recognition supplied and supported the installation of Vidar Smart 2×HD ANPR/ADR/MMR cameras at the tunnel’s entrances and exits.
The cameras integrate directly with AFRY’s SCADA and ITS systems, ensuring each passing vehicle is captured, identified, and logged in real time.
Vidar’s dual-HD sensors, infrared illumination, and built-in laser trigger enable consistent reads even when vehicles travel at 80–90 km/h. Its rugged, IP-rated housing, heated optics, and adaptive exposure control maintain image clarity despite condensation, tunnel humidity, and the rapid temperature changes typical of Nordic weather.
The system architecture — combining Vidar’s on-device intelligence with AFRY’s control platform — delivers continuous monitoring and event detection without interruption
The Impact
Since going live, the solution has provided stable, high-accuracy vehicle recognition for both standard traffic monitoring and safety supervision. By integrating ANPR, MMR, and ADR recognition in a single device, the system enhances situational awareness for operators and strengthens tunnel safety procedures.
Its proven reliability under demanding conditions has led to plans for further camera deployments in 2025 as part of the upcoming Nordhavnstunnel project — extending the collaboration between AFRY, Copenhagen Municipality, Vejdirektoratet, and Adaptive Recognition.
This project stands as a strong Nordic reference, demonstrating how Vidar performs in complex, high-speed, and weather-exposed infrastructure environments — the same challenges faced in border control, tolling, and customs operations across Europe.
