Victorian Government plans to use smart infrastructure technology to slash traffic congestion on Melbourne's Monash Freeway
Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | August 2, 2012
The Victorian Government plans to use smart infrastructure technology to slash traffic congestion on Melbourne’s Monash Freeway, a conference was told.
Victorian Ports Minister Denis Napthine, who was a key speaker at the Victorian Transport Association’s (VTA) luncheon this week, says the government will work with VicRoads, the Department of Transport, Port of Melbourne and other stakeholders to improve traffic flow.
“Both on the construction phase and the long-term ratio phase we will be looking to use the very best technology we can to manage traffic flows so that we can make the best use of the road system we have,” Napthine says.
It was announced earlier this year the M20 Ring Road would receive an electronic freeway management system to manage traffic flows and help authorities respond quickly to accidents and breakdowns.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the technology allows governments to get the most of infrastructure already in place and is a cheaper option than building more roads.
Sensors built into the road monitor traffic flow, with the information used to reduce the number of vehicles entering the freeway via the on-ramp. The technology also varies speed limits to prevent congestion.
During his address, Napthine also told attendees he believed there was an opportunity to improve access for larger trucks.
“I certainly have had discussions with [Roads Minister] Terry Mulder about high productivity vehicles. What the government has said to do is to make sure that where we’re running high productivity vehicles,” Napthine says.
“The argument is to make sure that our road networks are up to scratch, making sure there are appropriate dual freeways and dual highways and passing lanes.”
