WA's New Smart Freeway Now Live

Perth’s latest smart freeway, designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety, was officially switched on Sunday, December 22. The new Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound integrates cutting-edge technology to provide commuters with a more efficient and reliable journey.

Advanced Technology for Real-Time Traffic Management

The Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound features more than 1,400 pieces of technology, including:

Road sensors to collect traffic data and adjust freeway operations accordingly.
On-ramp signals to manage vehicle flow onto the freeway during peak hours.
CCTV cameras for monitoring road conditions and ensuring quick incident response.
Incident detection sensors to identify disruptions and alert traffic control centers.
Digital signs and overhead gantries to update drivers on speed limits, lane closures, and real-time traffic conditions.

By utilizing real-time data analysis, these systems will allow for dynamic traffic management, helping reduce congestion and improve safety across the freeway network.

Key Benefits for Commuters

The introduction of the Smart Freeway is expected to bring noticeable improvements in travel times and overall road safety. With enhancements such as on-ramp signals and variable speed limits, the freeway aims to provide a smoother driving experience. Commuters can anticipate:

Up to seven minutes saved on morning peak-hour trips.
Smoother and safer merging with the use of ramp metering.
Better incident management, reducing delays caused by accidents and breakdowns.

The Smart Freeway is part of a broader upgrade to the Mitchell Freeway corridor, which began with the freeway extension to Alkimos in July 2023. Additionally, a third lane was introduced between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue in May 2024, further enhancing capacity and reducing bottlenecks.

Features of the Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound

The new smart freeway will include:

Traffic signals on all 16 on-ramps to manage vehicle entry and improve merging efficiency.
23 overhead gantries displaying lane-use and variable-speed signs to guide drivers through changing traffic conditions.
Digital Message Signs providing real-time traffic updates to keep drivers informed and safe.

A Proven Model for Traffic Improvement

The Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound is the second of its kind in Perth, following the successful implementation of a smart freeway on Kwinana Freeway northbound in August 2020. The Kwinana system has led to a six-minute reduction in travel time during morning commutes, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology in improving road efficiency.

A Collaborative Investment in WA’s Infrastructure

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, reinforcing a commitment to developing smarter, safer road networks.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King highlighted the impact of such initiatives:

“The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in infrastructure that makes our roads safer and helps people get home to their families faster.”

Meanwhile, WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti emphasized the practical benefits of the new freeway system:

“Harnessing real-time data to manage traffic flow is a proven way to improve journeys. The new Smart Freeway on the Mitchell southbound will allow drivers to save time, travel safely, and avoid congestion.”

What's Ahead

With the Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound set to go live, Western Australians can expect significant improvements in their daily commutes. By embracing smart technology, Perth continues to modernize its infrastructure, providing safer and more efficient transport solutions for its growing population.

As the state government continues investing in road upgrades, the success of these smart systems could pave the way for further expansions across Western Australia’s road networks.