The Andrews government is undertaking an Australian-first technology trial that will see speeds on the Monash Freeway move up and down based on live traffic conditions.
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan unveiled a new state-of-the-art approach to speed management that will see speed limits change in response to road conditions, such as an increase or decrease in traffic volumes, weather conditions and the time of day.
The Dynamic Speed Trial – which starts in early July, running between High Street in Ashburton and Glenferrie Road in Toorak – means motorists, when it is safe to do so, will be able to travel at 100km/hour on this section of the Monash.
The trial will use the existing technology including CCTV and road sensors as well as overhead electronic signs to change speed limits when conditions allow, not just if there are road works or a collision.
The six-month pilot will trial three different phases: phase one will vary speeds at night, phase two will include night and off-peak periods such as weekends, and phase three will run 24-hours a day, including peak periods.
If successful, the technology may be rolled out on other managed motorways across Melbourne.
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan said:
“We’re applying the world’s best traffic management practices to roads right here in Melbourne.”
“Providing safer speeds that are right for the road will mean people can get to where they need to be as safely and efficiently as possible – without impacting on the productivity of our freight industry.”
