The M4 Smart Motorway is a key Transport for NSW initiative and is the first managed smart motorway system to be built in New South Wales. The Project utilises the latest in intelligent technologies and increases road capacity to help manage the state's traffic congestion to improve flow and user safety.
The NSW government is investing $600 million dollars to enhance 35 kilometres of high-use road between Pitt Street, Parramatta and Mulgoa Road in Penrith.
With construction beginning in 2017, Ventia was awarded a contract from Seymour Whyte Constructions for the procurement and installation of smart technology for stages two and three of the M4 Smart Motorway project.
Ventia's Transport Technology team successfully installed and commissioned the infrastructure to support the latest intelligent traffic technology. Our work across stages two and three of the M4 Upgrade was undertaken by a dedicated team responsible for integrating communication networks and field devices into a seamless system. The upgrade was undertaken on a motorway that carries over 100,000 vehicles per day, with works scheduled day and night. The solution included:
- 80,000 km of optic fibre cable
- 650 vehicle detection loops
- 264 integrated speed and lane use signs to adjust speed limits, and open and close lanes as needed
- 59 roadside cabinet upgrades
- 40 CCTV poles and cameras for road monitoring
- 30 variable speed limit signs
- 12 ramp control signs to regulate the flow of traffic
- 3 variable message signs providing real-time information and communication to motorists, and
- 19 motorway emergency telephones to support incident response.
From Parramatta to Penrith, the Project has brought together intelligent technologies to make improvements to interchanges and widen the motorway at critical junctures, maximising the efficiency and performance of this extensive stretch of road.
Client and community outcomes
This tailored technology and infrastructure solution will provide a safer, smoother and more reliable journey for Sydney motorists. Lessening stop-start traffic across the network also helps to reduce fuel consumption and in turn, reduces CO2 emissions.