Bluetooth tech installed along VIC's Western Highway

Bluetooth tech installed along VIC’s Western Highway

New electronic signage on Victoria’s Western Highway will deliver real-time travel times and works alerts for drivers to help plan their trips and avoid major delays.

The technology is the first of its kind permanently installed in regional Victoria, using Bluetooth technology to track point-to-point travel times.

Signs will be installed in busy areas between Ballarat and Melbourne and locations close to Ballarat, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Rockbank.

Delays associated with road upgrades, safety improvements, weather and emergency incidents will be displayed, with estimated travel times updated every few minutes.

Travel times for vehicles which have stopped or travelled off the high way between the sensor points will not be factored into the times.

The technology is part of the Victorian Government’s Safe System Road Infrastructure Program.

Metropolitan Melbourne has seen a boosted traffic flow in various locations because of this signage.

Temporary electronic signs along the Western Highway between Ballarat and Melbourne where safety upgrades are underway will be replaced by the new signage.

These works include the installation of flexible safety barriers and bridge strengthening works at Pykes Creek.

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the new signage will make it easier for people to plan their journey and avoid getting stuck in traffic.

“Drivers using the Western Highway will be the first in regional Victoria to benefit from the technology – providing up to date travel times and alerts to get more people where they need to go sooner,” he said.