Motorists will be better informed of changes in traffic conditions on some of the country’s busiest roads as a trial of several new technologies rolls out in 2025.
From wireless solar-powered signs advising motorists of new hazards to in-road pods that collect data on traffic volume and speed, a range of new initiatives will be trialled on regional roads as part of the NSW government’s $5 million Smarter Highways program.
Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the road network causing systems to be activated to warn drivers about hazards, and the program has the support of motorists’ advocacy group, the NRMA.
“The more information you can give to the motoring public about an incident early, the better,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told Yahoo News.
“We’ve always said more needs to be done to alert people earlier when there is an incident. It gives them the time they need to make a judgement on whether they need to proceed along a different route, or delay their journey”.
The government’s Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environment Systems (SHAVES) will have self-adaptive electronic signage which will be able to predict events and advise motorists. The technology, for example, can detect bad weather and animals approaching the road. The signs will communicate with each other using localised radio communications.
More technology needed on our roads say the NRMA
The NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, says the technology’s focus will be to effect behavioural change and “reduce risky driving actions such as not driving to the conditions”.
The government is also trialling a new 4G traffic counter device installed on the road which can detect and provide information on vehicle volumes, classifications, speeds, headways, road temperatures and system health in real time.
Known as the road pod vehicle magnetometer, it is anticipated to be particularly useful during the start and end of holidays and during special events. It is being trialled on the Great Western Highway at Kelso and the Newell Highway at Dubbo.
Khoury said the NRMA encourages the government to utilise the latest technology to better manage our road network.
“It is good that these trials are taking place, and any trial of new technology needs to be thoroughly reviewed to make sure it works effectively,” he told Yahoo News.
“But the more we are relying on new technology to make our roads more efficient and safer, the better the outcome for the public.”
Five Smarter Highways trials
1. Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)
Self-adaptive electronic signage able to predict events and advise motorists of hazards.
2. Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer
4G powered devices in the road to provide data on traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other issues.
3. Rural Intersection Activated Warning System
Road sensors advise motorists through Variable Speed Limit signs of a slow, large vehicle entering from a side road.
4. Improved local area traffic management during major disruptions
Using technology to provide safe, reliable access during planned and unplanned disruptive events.
5. Permanent Congestion Management
Using radars and traffic signals to manage traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains.
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