Innovation
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
Queensland, the Smart State, has a whole-of-government approach to innovation and industry.
ITS is transforming the way our transport systems operate. Main Roads and Queensland Transport are leading the nation in transport technology and ITS applications.
ITS applications and strategies aim to:
- improve safety
- reduce traffic congestion
- reduce environmental impacts.
Let's take a look at some of our innovative projects.
Motorway and Arterial ITS applications
A range of ITS applications has been incorporated into our Motorways and Arterial Roads.
These applications include:
- Traffic Management Centres in Brisbane and at the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, compiling all relevant data and information via closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. The information is then broadcast through a traffic hotline (13 19 40)
- incident management
- traveller information. Information is passed on to motorists via variable message signs, the hotline and the website. There are three service centres for motorists along the motorway
- heavy vehicle management system.
Car park guidance system
Car park guidance system provides real-time information about the availability of parking spaces for example at the Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre this information is displayed on large signs for motorists approaching the Maroochydore CBD.
The system counts vehicles entering and leaving the car park and knows when the car park is full. It will then display the 'full' message on the electronic sign.
The system eases traffic congestion, redirecting some of the traffic flow to less congested areas.
The Maroochydore car park guidance system (right).
Main Roads and RACQ Road Condition Reporting Service
This service reports on flood and road conditions, mainly in Queensland's rural areas. Information on road conditions across the state is available on the RACQ website (LINK) or by phoning 1300 130 595.
Automated flood-warning systems are being trialled in north Queensland, using river height gauges. The system alerts district officers and traffic managers via email and SMS.
Bus priority and passenger information
Using detector loops this ITS project provides real-time information, including bus arrival times, for bus passengers. It gives buses priority at signalised intersections along the Lutwyche-Gympie Road corridor.
The system is jointly funded by Main Roads and the Brisbane City Council.
Intelligent Access Program
The Intelligent Access Program (IAP) is a voluntary program which provides heavy vehicles with improved access to the Australian road network. This access is in return for monitoring of compliance. IAP uses satellite tracking and wireless communication technology to monitor heavy vehicles on the road network.
Queensland Transport has further information.
Heavy vehicle management system
Queensland Transport and the Department of Main Roads have developed the system on the Pacific Motorway. It uses fibre optic cabling to link:
- piezo-electric weigh-in-motion (WIM) detectors
- remotely controlled changeable message signs (CMS)
- closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras
- transport inspectors' control centres (on-site)
- Gold Coast Traffic Management Centre.
The system is used for targeted (mass) and random (fatigue, safety and dangerous goods) compliance activities on a high-speed limited access road. This is possible by using WIM sensors and changeable message signs.
Stage one has been installed. Plans for stages two and three include:
- enforcement-grade digital cameras
- real-time upload of data and images for offence processing
- fully automated system using high-speed WIM detectors.
Electronic toll collection
E toll, managed by Queensland Motorways Limited, was introduced to the Gateway and Logan Motorways in June 2001.
The state-of-the-art electronic transponder technology means E toll delivers a range of benefits with its state-of-the-art technology. The system can be used Australia-wide, with tolls deducted from your Queensland E toll account.
Queensland Motorways is highly customer-focused, operating one of the largest toll collection systems in Australia, including:
- Gateway Bridge
- Logan Motorway
- Port of Brisbane Motorway.
More than 150,000 vehicles travel on these motorways each day.
You can establish an E toll account online.
Last updated: 01 June 2009
