Western Australia set to launch an innovative ‘Smart Freeway’

December 4, 2024 TruthUSA

The smart freeway will incorporate road sensors, CCTV cameras, and digital signs.

The Western Australian government is set to officially introduce a new “smart freeway” on Dec. 22, featuring 1,400 new technology pieces.

New technology includes road sensors, on-ramp signals, CCTV cameras with incident detection sensors, and overhead gantries to be installed along the southbound lanes of the Mitchell Freeway.

The Mitchell Freeway is a vital highway connecting Perth’s northern suburbs to the city center and linking to other major roads.

Overhead gantries will lower speed limits and notify drivers of accidents ahead, and on-ramp traffic signals will manage traffic flow during peak hours.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti stated that these upgrades could enhance traffic flow and safety.

“Depending on their origin, drivers can anticipate saving up to seven minutes during morning peak hours, resulting in a safer journey and less time stuck in traffic,” she mentioned.

Her federal counterpart, Transport Minister Catherine King, mentioned that the federal government continues to invest in infrastructure to make roads safer and get Australians home sooner.

“Our collaboration with the WA Government in implementing these crucial projects will result in residents of Perth’s northern suburbs spending less time in traffic and more time with their families.”

The Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound project, along with the Hodges to Hepburn widening and shared path projects, are funded by both the Federal and State governments.

Key features of the new upgrade include new traffic signals on 16 on-ramps to filter traffic onto the freeway, 23 overhead gantries with lane-use and variable speed signs, and digital message signs informing motorists of real-time traffic conditions.

The government claims these smart freeway system upgrades will save commuters seven minutes during peak hour commutes.

Are There Any Risks With Smart Highways?

Despite the benefits of reducing congestion and enhancing traffic flow, smart highways pose potential safety concerns and risks.

One major risk of smart highways is driver confusion due to rapidly changing conditions, such as quick speed limit changes and frequent lane openings or closures.

Over-reliance on technology, including sensors, cameras, and message signs, could also pose a danger if these systems were to fail or malfunction.

Variable speed limits can also be problematic if ignored by drivers or adjusted inappropriately, while flexible lane usage can lead to frequent lane changes, presenting challenges for some drivers.

Smart highways rely on data systems that could be targeted by hackers, making them potentially susceptible to cyber-attacks.

While the UK is a pioneer in smart freeways, they have also been implemented in California, Chicago, Singapore, and the Kwinana Smart Freeway in Western Australia.

However, a poll in the UK in 2023 found that nearly 7 in 10 drivers wanted the hard shoulder—a hardened strip alongside a motorway for stopping in an emergency—reinstated on smart motorways.

In New South Wales, the M4 Motorway from Parramatta to Penrith was the state’s first smart motorway, with over 1,300 road sensors every 500 meters.

Transport for New South Wales (NSW) also recently announced their efforts to make the Western Distributor “smarter and safer” with digital dynamic signs to facilitate traffic movement.

“A Smart Motorway uses real-time information, communication, and traffic control systems to improve traffic flow (similar to the M4 & M8),” the department stated.

The NSW government is installing 19 gantries between the Anzac Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge, integrating speed lane usage electronic signs, CCTV, and automatic incident detection technology.

“We are installing smart motorway technology on the Western Distributor between the Anzac Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” the government stated.

In South Australia, artificial intelligence (AI) powered mobile phone detection cameras have been deployed, resulting in over 2,500 fines within a week.

AI mobile phone detection cameras are situated in five high-risk areas in Adelaide, with warning signs in place, monitoring 13 lanes.

Asleep at Wheel on Road Safety, Opposition

Meanwhile, Western Australian Opposition leader Shane Love recently criticized the Labor Party’s sluggish response to urgent road safety reforms.

“The government has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to road safety,” he remarked.

He pointed out that the Cook government has shown a “lack of leadership and vision,” only taking action after being pushed by the Opposition on critical issues like road safety and construction sector problems.

“It is evident that this out-of-touch government does not plan to take real action unless compelled by the Opposition.”

On the other hand, Western Australian Liberal leader Libby Mettam has raised concerns about broader safety and crime in the state, including assaults on public transport.

“Western Australians deserve to feel safe in their community—under WA Labor, crime is on the rise. Assaults on Perth’s public transport have increased by 35 percent in a year,” she mentioned on Dec. 4.

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