Western Cape Department of Infrastructure Partners with Bentley Systems to Modernize Roadway Safety in South Africa

Bentley Systems, the infrastructure engineering software company, announced a landmark partnership with the Western Cape Government, Department of Infrastructure 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 5,000 kilometers 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 urgent need for a more resilient approach to asset management.

By deploying Blyncsy, an offering within Bentley’s Asset Analytics portfolio, the department is moving toward a future-proof acceleration agenda. The technology uses crowdsourced dash camera imagery and machine learning to automatically identify damaged guardrails, missing street signs, faulty streetlights, and debris. Crucially, 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 directly supports the Roads4U campaign and the Western Cape Infrastructure Framework 2050, which prioritizes innovation and strategic partnerships to maximize a R4.56 billion transport budget. By automating inspections, the department can now identify and rectify hazards, such as potholes and drainage-blocking debris, before they escalate into costly repairs.