Madrid installs a pioneering system to enhance connectivity for drivers in the 10 kilometers of underground tunnels of its busiest thoroughfare
The City Council of Madrid has begun the installation of Bluetooth electronic beacons in the M-30 tunnels to ensure coverage for navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. This initiative, with a budget of €223,120, is part of the Madrid Calle 30 modernization plan, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of this key artery of the capital, which saw more than 375 million vehicles in 2024.
The system, inspired by a technology developed by Waze in 2016 and already implemented in other cities around the world, will allow mobile phones to maintain geolocation within the tunnels, where GPS signal is traditionally lost. The Bluetooth beacons will be installed on the ceiling of the tunnels, separated from each other by 20 to 40 meters, to provide continuous and accurate coverage.
This new technological deployment aims to enhance road safety and driving experience by allowing users to continue receiving real-time information about traffic, detours, or accidents, even underground. Until now, offline modes of the apps offered basic navigation but lacked dynamic updates.
The operation of the system is straightforward: the beacons emit signals that are detected by mobile phones with Bluetooth enabled, allowing map apps to accurately locate the vehicle. In the case of Google Maps, users must manually enable this option in the navigation settings. In Waze, the function is already enabled by default.
The initiative represents a significant advancement in the use of technology to improve urban mobility and connectivity in situations where conventional signals do not reach. The installation of the beacons is expected to be completed by spring 2025, enhancing coverage in the more than 10 kilometers of tunnels that make up the M-30 network.
In this way, Madrid joins major capitals that are investing in smart solutions to facilitate driving and ensure safety in increasingly complex urban environments.
Source: Blog Thinkbig