Smart freeway ready for operations

Perth's newest smart freeway will be formally switched on, on Sunday, 22 December - providing commuters with faster and safer journeys.

More than 1,400 pieces of technology make up the new the Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound, including road sensors, on-ramp signals, CCTV cameras, incident detection sensors, digital signs and overhead gantries.

The new technology will enhance traffic flow and safety by collecting and analysing large amounts of data to respond to traffic conditions in real time.

This includes using overhead gantries to lower speed limits and provide warnings about incidents ahead, and utilising traffic signals at on-ramps to manage the flow of traffic onto the freeway during busy periods.

The smart freeway systems are part of a broader transformation of Mitchell Freeway, which began in July 2023 with the opening of the Mitchell Freeway extension to Alkimos. A third lane between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue opened in May this year.

The upgrades and addition of smart freeway systems are expected to save commuters seven minutes during the morning peak-hour commute.

The Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound will feature:

• new traffic signals on all 16 on-ramps, helping filter traffic onto the freeway and make merging smoother and easier;
• 23 overhead gantries with lane-use and variable-speed signs to let drivers know what speed to travel, what lanes to use and if there's an incident or accident ahead; and
• Digital Message Signs to inform motorists of traffic conditions in real time for safer and more reliable journeys.

Mitchell Freeway southbound is Perth's second Smart Freeway. The first Smart Freeway began operating on Kwinana Freeway northbound in August 2020, with motorists continuing to experience a safer journey and save up to six minutes on their journeys between Roe Highway and the Narrows Bridge to the city during the morning commute.

The Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound, the Hodges to Hepburn widening and shared paths projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in the infrastructure that makes our roads safer and gets people home to their families earlier.

"Our partnership with the WA Government in delivering these important projects will mean residents of Perth's northern suburbs will spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with their loved ones."

Quotes attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Harnessing traffic data and responding to conditions in real time is a proven way of improving people's journeys on the freeway.

"The new Smart Freeway on the Mitchell southbound will harness data from 1,400 pieces of new technology, allowing us to better manage traffic flow during busy periods and when there are incidents on the freeway.

"Depending on where they're travelling from, drivers can expect to save up to seven minutes during morning peak hour, which ultimately means a safer journey and less time spent in gridlock.

"The Smart Freeway is another example of our Government investing in projects that drive the economy, create jobs and improve the lives of Western Australians."