Construction and installation works on Perth’s first smart freeway are more than 25 per cent complete, according to Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge and WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
The $47 million smart freeway will create an additional traffic lane between Canning Highway and Narrows Bridge, by utilising the emergency stopping lane as a full-time running lane, known as All Lane Running (ALR).
Construction began in January 2019, with workers currently installing drainage, relocating communication infrastructure and preparing for installation of the large overhead electronic signs that will manage lanes.
According to Ms. Saffioti, overhead sign and gantry manufacturing is continuing off-site.
The smart freeway will have multiple new features including increased driver information, variable speed limits and co-ordinated ramp signals.
Mr. Tudge said smart freeway technology had successfully minimised travel times in Melbourne and Sydney.
“Smart freeways are used successfully around the world to bust congestion, improve safety and get the most out of existing infrastructure,” Mr. Tudge said.
“One of the biggest challenges for road authorities is maximising network efficiency, so they are increasingly turning to technology based solutions to manage traffic growth and improve travel times.”
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