New automated traffic management system for West Gate Freeway to begin this weekend
April 19, 2010
Victoria has unveiled a new automated traffic management system for the West Gate Freeway to improve travel times and road safety.
The 24-hour system that detects incidents, displays motorists’ speed and warns of on and off ramps will be switched on this weekend.
The management system is already used on the M1 and the Monash Freeway, and the Brumby Government claims it is reporting significant improvements in travel times.
Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas says the freeway management system will help drivers get to their destinations “quicker, safer and easier”.
“Latest data shows average travel speeds between Toorak and Jacksons Road in the afternoon have gone from 42 km/h to 85 km/h, and from 68 km/h to 87 km/h in the morning peak,” he says.
Pallas says there has also been an average increase of 10km/h from the Bolte Bridge to the Burnley tunnels during peak periods.
When the M1 project is complete, the traffic management system will extend from Berwick to Werribee, with overhead signs operating from Williamstown Road at the West Gate Bridge to High Street, Glen Iris.
Pallas says the activation of the overhead electronic signs on the West Gate Freeway came at a time when motorists were starting to experience the benefits of the project, including the completion of works on the Monash Freeway section.