Australia's first pacemaker lighting system has had a significant impact on Melbourne's peak hour traffic since it was introduced to the Burnley Tunnel 12 months ago.
The lights, which give drivers a nudge to maintain their speed on the Burnley Tunnel's steep incline, have resulted in a 17% increase in speed through the tunnel during the morning peak and a 12% increase in the evening peak.
A 17% increase in speed may seem small - but it means drivers are getting through the tunnel almost a minute faster in the morning peak. We're also seeing Saturday afternoon traffic travelling 15% faster through the tunnel.
Transurban's General Manager Operations, Phil Naulls, said the lights are performing beyond expectations, improving driver journeys, and reducing emissions.
"This increase in speed has resulted in a higher volume of traffic going through the tunnel - 3% more vehicles moving through on weekdays and between 1-2% more on weekends," Phil said.
Another impact of the pacemaker lighting has been a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with emissions reduced by 2.2% in the past six months, compared to the six-month period before the pacemaker lights were introduced. By reducing the amount of time vehicles idle in traffic, we're also helping our customers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Less stop-start traffic in the tunnel also means Transurban's CityLink Control Room team is seeing fewer truck breakdowns.
"With the improved traffic flow through the tunnel, truck drivers don't need to use their brakes as frequently and can maintain consistent speeds, lowering stress on their engine and resulting in fewer truck breakdowns," Phil said.
Key stats: 12-month performance
Date range: 14 September 2022-14 March 2023 compared to 14 September 2023-14 March 2024
- Traffic speeds recover 114% faster than before the lights were introduced, meaning traffic returns to the speed limit following a period of congestion much faster
- 3% more vehicles move through the tunnel each weekday
- 1-2% more vehicles move through the tunnel on the weekend
- At its best performance, we saw 8% more vehicles travel through the tunnel in one day
- 2.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the past six months compared to the previous six months before the lights were introduced
- Approx. $10m savings to the community
