Australia begins installation of smart technology on West Gate Freeway

June 20, 2013

(The technology will be fully integrated with the system already in use on the M1 east of Williamstown Road, as well as that planned for the M80 Ring Road.”

Australia has begun the installation of new electronic freeway management technology along the West Gate Freeway in Melbourne, Victoria.

The project includes new signs to inform drivers which lanes they should use and any temporary speed limit changes, as well as closed circuit television, and an upgrade to the supporting communication networks and central control systems.

The technology will be fully integrated with the system already in use on the M1 east of Williams town Road, as well as that planned for the M80 Ring Road.

Scheduled to be completed by mid-2014, the project will provide Melbourne with the tools to better manage traffic flows and respond quickly to accidents and breakdowns.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said that the technology will offer faster, safer and less frustrating driving conditions for the 180,000 motorists and truck drivers who use this vital part of the city’s road network every day.

“Indeed if applied nationwide, electronic freeway management systems have the potential to greatly reduce congestion and save Australian families and businesses more than $500 million a year,” the minister said.

The West Gate Freeway project is being funded by the Federal ($12.5m) and Victorian ($12.5m) governments.

West Gate Freeway connects Geelong to Melbourne CBD, and will also act as a link between Melbourne and the west.

It will also connect industrial and residential areas west of the Yarra River with the city and port areas.

Image: Around 180,000 motorists and truck drivers use West Gate Freeway every day. Photo: courtesy of Thiess.

Source-http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com