Web app to ensure smooth running of Olympics logistics

Transport for London (TfL) is seeking to develop a web-based application that will plan journeys for freight transport during the London Olympic Games in 2012.

A public tender highlights that the timeframe for creating the application is "critical", with all work to be completed in just five months.

The contract notice says: "[The] web based application will form an essential tool for operators to plan journeys efficiently and in compliance with any road restrictions to ensure successful delivery and minimal disruptions for the Olympic Games period."

The planner, and interactive map, will calculate the optimal route for freight transport by taking into account physical road restrictions, network restrictions and disruptions. It will also provide an estimated journey time based on congestion data.

An initial inception meeting for potential suppliers will be held on the 28 September, a first draft of the routing algorithm will be created by 14 November, testing and finalisation of the routing algorithm will be completed by 12 December, interface development and testing to freight repository and satnav applications by 16 January and end user testing will be carried out by 20 February.

The journey planner and interactive map is set to launch on 28 February 2012.