Bentley to deploy AI road monitoring in South Africa

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20-05-2026
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Construction Briefing
Source

Bentley Systems has announced a partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure in South Arica to implement its AI-powered Blyncsy technology across strategic sections of the provincial road network.

This initiative, a first for Blyncsy on the African continent, will monitor approximately 5,000km of roadway, using automated computer vision to detect critical infrastructure issues.

Facing limited budgets and growing risks from weather-related impacts, the department is investing in smarter, more proactive technology to enhance road safety and protect mobility. Recent extreme flooding events have isolated entire towns, highlighting the need for a more resilient approach to asset management.

The technology uses crowdsourced dash camera imagery and machine learning to automatically identify damaged guardrails, missing street signs, faulty streetlights, and debris. The system can also monitor vegetation encroachment, a key factor in maintaining visibility and preventing road obstructions during the province’s increasingly frequent storm cycles.

This data-driven approach supports the Roads4U campaign and the Western Cape Infrastructure Framework 2050, which prioritises innovation and strategic partnerships to maximise a R4.56 billion (US$273 million) transport budget. By automating inspections, the department can now identify and rectify hazards, such as potholes and drainage-blocking debris, before they escalate.

“Providing safe and resilient infrastructure is the foundation of economic opportunity in the Western Cape, particularly as we manage the impacts of climate change on our road network,” said Johannes Neethling, chief engineer for transport infrastructure systems for the Western Cape.

“By integrating Blyncsy’s AI technology, we are gaining a level of visibility that was previously impossible. This allows us to maintain a precise digital inventory of our assets, from guardrails to streetlights, ensuring that our maintenance crews are deployed where they are needed most. This isn’t just about better data; it’s about a proactive commitment to keeping our roads open and our citizens safe.”