The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a $5 million 'Smarter Highways' program to trial innovative technologies on regional highways. This initiative aims to enhance road safety and traffic management through the implementation of solar-powered, intelligent systems.

NSW Trials Solar-Powered Smart Highway Technologies
  • Solar-powered, self-adaptive electronic signage with machine learning capabilities
  • New traffic counters called Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometers (VM)
  • Rural Intersection Activated Warning System (RIAWS)
  • Permanent congestion management systems

Trial Locations

The technologies will be tested at various locations, including:

  • Great Western Highway, Kelso
  • Newell Highway, Dubbo
  • Victoria Pass in the Blue Mountains

Smart Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)

  • Provides advance warnings of hazards like black ice, smoke, or wildlife
  • Replaces portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) in high-risk areas
  • Includes prism signs, VMS screens, and flashing lights
  • Powered by solar energy with high-capacity batteries

Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer (VM)

  • Permanent traffic counter providing real-time data on vehicle volumes, speeds, and classifications
  • Solar-powered 4G technology system
  • Easy to install, taking less than an hour to set up
NSW Trials Solar-Powered Smart Highway Technologies

The NSW government's 'Smarter Highways' program represents a significant step towards creating safer and more efficient regional roads. By leveraging solar power and advanced technologies, this initiative not only aims to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.

As these trials progress, they may pave the way for wider implementation of smart highway systems across Australia, potentially transforming the future of road safety and traffic management.