The Victorian Government has commenced a new technology speed trial on the Monash Freeway that will see speeds on the freeway move up and down based on live traffic conditions.
Victorian Minister for Roads Luke Donellan welcomed the new trial.
“We’re using existing technology so we can be smarter about the way we manage traffic on the Monash,” he said in a statement.
“We’re making the speed on the Monash reflective of the conditions meaning that when it is safe to do so, motorists will be able to travel at 100km/h.”
The six-month Dynamic Speed Trial pilot will allow speed limits to change in response to road conditions, such as an increase or decrease in traffic volumes, weather conditions and the time of day.
The new approach to speed management uses existing technology on the freeway, including CCTV, road sensors and overhead electronic signs to change the speed limits when conditions allow.
The trial will operate n the freeway between High Street in Ashburton and Glenferrie Road in Toorak, where speeds, given it is safe to do so, may increase from 80 km/h to 100 km/h.
The trial will be undertaken in three different phases. Phase one will vary speeds at night, phase two will include night and off-peak periods and phase three will run 24-hours a day.
If successful, the technology may be rolled out across other managed motorways across Melbourne.
Results from the trial will be independently examined and used to help inform future decisions around speed, allowing us to make the most of the state’s road network.