Welcome to the CITRUS Project (C-ITS for Vulnerable Road Users)!
The aim of the CITRUS project is to develop a warning system for urban environments that detects people at intersections and alerts them in real-time to dangers during their crossing. The solution is designed to integrate into existing intersection infrastructure and be C-ITS enabled. It includes the design and implementation of a reference architecture based on roadside sensors and C-ITS Road-Side Units.
In 2023, 48% of all traffic fatalities in Europe were so-called Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs). Collisions with motorized individual traffic pose a particularly high risk. The CITRUS system combines integrated infrastructure with C-ITS communication technology. It uses roadside sensors and stations to detect and inform both connected and non-connected road users. Key innovations include integration with existing urban infrastructure, real-time collision probability assessment from various data sources, and cloud-edge-based warning mechanisms.
The reference architecture will be evaluated technically, organizationally, and economically during a multi-month pilot operation in Vienna at Heldenplatz. The project aims to support European harmonization efforts (e.g., C-Roads) and lay the groundwork for a future roll-out of CITRUS. The consortium includes transport companies, public authorities, associations, and research institutions.
This project is funded by the Climate and Energy Fund (Climate and Energy Fund Austria – For a climate-neutral Austria) and the FFG (www.ffg.at).
The FFG is the central national funding agency and strengthens Austria’s innovative capacity.
