Companies interested in installing electronic freeway management technology along West Gate Freeway have until August 22 to register their interest
August 14, 2012
Companies interested in installing electronic freeway management technology along the West Gate Freeway in Melbourne have until August 22 to register their interest with Victoria’s road authority.
The selected company or companies will be tasked with delivering variable speed limit signs, entry ramp signalling, CCTVs and digital message signs to provide live traffic updates.
Works, which are scheduled to begin next year and completed in 2014, also include signs to advise drivers of lane and speed restrictions around accidents, and improved communications and central control systems.
The Victorian and federal governments are both providing $12.5 million to the project, which is expected to give VicRoads the ability to better manage traffic flows and respond quickly to accidents and breakdowns.
“It’s all about getting the most out of the infrastructure we already have, which over time is a far smarter and cheaper option than simply building more and bigger roads,” federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says of the project.
He says the technology will deliver faster and safer driving conditions for the 160,000 motorists and truck drivers using the freeway 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. That’s why we’re providing funding to assist the states to retrofit their existing motorways with this technology,” Albanese says.
Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder says the project, once completed, will lead to a seamless technology link between the M1 east of Williamstown Road and the current M80 upgrade. He says the full integration of the systems will improve safety and traffic flows on Victoria’s two busiest freeways.
“This technology is about ensuring people can spend less time getting to and from work and more time at home with the family,” Mulder says.
