A new advanced warning system on CityLink has reduced crashes at a notorious hotspot by almost 20%.
When traffic queues to exit a road, the likelihood of rear-end and side swipe collisions can increase, and we monitor our exits to identify queuing and other potential hazards. Smart technology embedded in the road surface detected a hotspot at CityLink's Power Street exit, where long queues were associated with more than 200 incidents between 2018 and 2023.
In response to this data, and to improve safety for motorists, we installed a new advanced warning system at the exit ramp. The system, which has been operating since January 2024, detects when vehicles are queuing and triggers overhead signage warning motorists to brake early to avoid causing a crash.
The system's detectors automatically measure traffic speed, volume and density, and use this data to activate the warning signage, giving motorists earlier notice to slow down prior to joining the queue.
The system also shares its data with the Power Street exit traffic lights, allowing extra 'green light time' to help clear the queue when 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.
We're now exploring other locations to roll out this congestion management system to reduce accidents and ultimately make Melbourne's roads safer for everyone.
