Work is underway to install smart technology, including automatic incident detection that speeds up the response to breakdowns and traffic snarls, on a road in Australia used by 130,000 motorists a day.

Digital signage providing real time updates on traffic incidents and speed limit changes on Sydney’s busy Western Distributor should also improve journeys between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Anzac Bridge.

Since smart motorway technology was introduced on the M4 in 2021, crashes have decreased by 25 per cent, travel times have improved by 20 per cent, while incident response and clearance rate times have halved.

Motorists will notice variable digital signs being mounted on new and existing gantries and sign bars in coming months before going operational in the final quarter of the year.

There are 21 locations along the 5.5km between Anzac Bridge and Harbour Bridge where new infrastructure will be installed.

Smart motorway technology should improve journeys and increase network resilience in both directions on and around the Western Distributor, including operational integration with the adjacent Rozelle Interchange.

Temporary traffic changes will be required on sections of the Western Distributor while work to install gantries and signage is undertaken. Most of this work will be done at night to reduce disruption to motorists, and detours will at times be in place.

“Smart motorway technology will provide motorists with crucial, real-time information on Western Distributor traffic conditions to communicate to drivers how to best travel along the motorway for a safer and more consistent journey,” said Transport for NSW (www.transport.nsw.gov.au) deputy secretary Camilla Drover. “The technology also allows rapid responses to incidents by relaying speed and safety information to guide motorists through the affected part of the corridor. This will reduce crashes and improve safety and provide an improved and smoother driving experience for motorway users.”