Road Innovation: NSW Launches Smarter Highways Program

15 Jan Blog

Regional New South Wales is set to benefit from a cutting-edge initiative aimed at improving road safety and reducing risky driving behaviours. The $5 million Smarter Highways program, launched by the Labor government, will trial innovative technologies designed to detect road hazards and warn drivers about potential dangers. These systems aim to prevent crashes, enhance journey management, and create a safer environment for road users and maintenance crews alike.

The trials will feature solar-powered, wireless systems tailored to individual sites, using advanced technologies such as machine-learning signage to predict hazards like black ice and wildlife. Other tools include traffic counters that provide real-time road data and systems to dynamically manage congestion. Importantly, these innovations focus on behaviour change, encouraging drivers to adapt to road conditions.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, emphasised the importance of these trials, particularly in regional areas where driving is often the sole mode of transport. By improving safety and reducing risks for both motorists and road crews, the Smarter Highways program represents a significant step forward in road innovation.