A new advanced warning system on CityLink has reduced crashes at a notorious hotspot by almost 20%.
Smart technology embedded in the road surface detected a hotspot at CityLink’s Power Street exit where queuing was more likely, and now triggers overhead signage warning motorists to brake early to avoid causing a crash.
Long queues at the exit posed a significant hazard for motorists, increasing the likelihood of rear-end and side-swipe collisions, with more than 200 incidents occurring at the hotspot between 2018 and 2023.
In January 2024, a new advanced warning system was implemented, which included utilising two existing variable messaging signs (VMS) on the exit approach.
Detectors at the Power Street exit ramp automatically measure speed, volume and density of the traffic, and use this data to activate the VMS when queuing is detected, warning motorists of the upcoming hazard as soon as possible. This gives motorists the time to prepare to stop and brake early.
Data is also shared with the traffic lights at the Power Street exit which will facilitate extra green light time to move the queue, if adjacent roads are clear. The automatic system operates 24/7 and has been found to detect queuing with 99.7% accuracy.
Since implementation, Transurban has seen a 17.8% reduction in rear-end collisions caused by queuing at the hotspot. Motorists are also experiencing quicker travel times with the median speed on the exit ramp increasing by almost 5% in the morning peak.
A trip on the West Gate Freeway from Normanby Road to City Road via the Power Street exit ramp is now faster, with travel times decreasing by 4.5% due to fewer incidents and quicker clearance times.
The next step is to explore integrating this smart roadside technology with connected vehicle data to provide real-time information to car navigation systems. Transurban is also exploring other locations to roll this congestion management system to reduce accidents and ultimately make Melbourne’s roads safer for everyone.
