PSI - Issue 84

Marco Bisti et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 84 (2026) 733–740

739

Fig. 3. events occurring in proximity to road construction sites.

7. A new level of SMS maturity The ultimate goal of applying advanced diagnostic tools like Gap Analysis and integrating cutting-edge technologies is to propel the Safety Management System (SMS) to a new, higher level of maturity, as defined by sector standards such as the ANSFISA Safety Management System - Road and Motorway Infrastructure (SGS-ISA) model. It is essential to emphasize that the actions proposed in this phase do not solely represent the achievement of compliance, but are configured as improvement measures that the Infrastructure Manager (IM) intends to implement voluntarily, going beyond the minimum requirements imposed by current regulations. This evolution signifies a fundamental shift from a 'Suitable' or 'Operational' state to one characterized by 'Effective' or 'Excellence,' also known as 'Predictive Governance.' In a system of excellence, safety management is no longer merely a departmental function but an integrated, data driven organizational value. This final stage of maturity is defined by several key characteristics: the pervasive use of leading indicators (e.g., Near-Miss analysis and behavioral observations) over lagging indicators (such as accident statistics); a robust organizational resilience that anticipates and adapts to change (such as construction site discontinuity) rather than merely reacting to it; and the systematic integration of predictive technologies (AI, V2X, smart sensing) that transform raw data into actionable safety intelligence. Achieving this new level of maturity requires the Infrastructure Manager (IM) to institutionalize a learning culture, where all levels of the organization use continuous feedback from operations and technology to drive the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. This ensures that the SMS becomes a dynamic, self-optimizing system capable of guaranteeing the highest standard of safety and efficiency on the motorway network. 8. Conclusion and future developments The evolutionary path toward a high maturity level for the Safety Management System (SMS) is a strategic imperative for the Infrastructure Manager (IM), especially given the presence of motorway construction sites. These work zones are necessary not only for major works but also for the indispensable inspection and maintenance activities of critical assets such as bridges, tunnels, barriers, and signage. Their presence demands maximum attention due to the unfortunately high incidence and severity of accidents that occur in their vicinity. Gap Analysis serves as an essential diagnostic tool, supporting the ANSFISA evaluation tool, to systematically identify areas for improvement and define intervention priorities. The central conclusion is that procedural and systemic improvements, while fundamental, tend to reach an asymptote of effectiveness. To achieveExcellence (or Predictive Governance), a paradigm shift is necessary, driven by the proactive integration of advanced technologies, such as V2X communication and Artificial Intelligence, for predictive risk modeling. The future trajectory is defined by the vision of Cooperative Mobility Management, where the IM, the automotive sector, and all stakeholders share data and responsibility. The final objective is to transform infrastructural safety into a dynamic and intelligent system that elevates the road mobility experience to the safety standards achieved in other transport sectors.