The electronic lane control system on the Sydney Harbour Bridge manages traffic on the bridge and its approaches. The system uses traffic control devices such as movable medians, overhead lane use signs, changeable message signs, illuminated pavement lights and traffic signals to implement lane changes for morning and evening peak time traffic.
Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) is currently planning and designing a new electronic lane control system to replace the aging lane control system hardware and software.
Benefits include:
- Improving monitoring and response to traffic incidents.
- Improving traffic safety for motorists.
- Increasing systems reliability and performance.
- Potential to interface with other systems on the bridge.
On 1 December 2009, Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) switched on its new electronic signs on Sydney Harbour Bridge and its approaches. The new signs improve road safety, by providing motorists with advance notice of changed traffic conditions on the bridge.
Previously the mobile and static signs that were used on the bridge to control traffic during roadwork's, an event or an accident were not easily spotted by motorists due to their location and night time glare from vehicles and city lights.
Three electronic variable message signs, 45 variable speed limit signs, 37 additional static speed signs now alert motorists to nearby emergency and crew workers, improving safety for both motorists and bridge crews.
Benefits include:
- Reducing traffic delays that result from maintenance, events or crashes on the bridge.
- Timely information can be provided to approaching motorists about changed traffic conditions on the bridge.
- Better information provided to drivers about what to watch out for and what speed to travel.
- Improved safety for bridge and emergency workers requiring access to the bridge.
This new technology assists the Sydney Transport Management Centre to better manage traffic movements during necessary maintenance, a scheduled event or crash on Sydney Harbour Bridge.
