Adelaide’s busiest roads are receiving the latest in artificial intelligence, with four new smart cameras now operating.
The AI technology is the first of its kind in South Australia and has been installed at key locations at Penfield, Paradise and two roads at Old Noarlunga to combat collisions and improve traffic flow during peak periods.
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The cameras are linked to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC), allowing staff to monitor vehicle movements and automatically adjust traffic signals to reduce congestion.
Not only is traffic frustrating and dangerous but has a significant economic impact also.
TMC data results say it costs the state’s economy more than $33,000 for every 5000 motorists that are forced to wait 20 minutes in the morning peak.
Since the cameras were installed last year in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, traffic build-up and dangerous rear-end collisions have significantly reduced.
Previously, drivers attempting to exit the Northern Expressway onto Heaslip Road were able to bank up to dangerous levels. In some cases, motorists were forced to queue onto the expressway where several rear-end collisions occurred.
Following community concern at the site and an investigation by the Department, the area was flagged as a suitable location to trial the new software and hardware, designed and built by engineering company SAFEgroup Automation.
The system, which is connected to a temporary traffic signal at the Heaslip Road roundabout, is able to stop northbound traffic when activated and generate gaps for the off-ramp traffic to enter the roundabout without cars banking up. The signals continue to operate until the queue length on the exit ramp is reduced.
With this game changing technology now proven to be successful, there are plans underway to install the system at two more locations along the Northern Expressway, in preparation for the nearby housing developments.
Close to 3,000 homes are earmarked for the Smithfield and Playford area. By having an advanced AI system already in place on the main expressway, the Department has taken a proactive approach in ensuring the surrounding infrastructure is ready for the increased traffic.
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