Heavy vehicles being used for a major road project in Victoria will be the first to trial a new safety technology system.
The technology has been installed in several heavy vehicles being used on Stage 1 of the Mickleham Road Upgrade.
Powered by an advanced artificial intelligence based smart camera, the side view technology incorporated into the system is specialised in detecting specific vulnerable road users – including pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders – and not other objects or obstructions.
The system also incorporates an attention-grabbing audible and flashing light alert system to help reduce the likelihood of an unexpected collision.
Electronic flashing lights and alarms initiate inside and outside the vehicle, providing the operator with advanced warning if they need to act to avoid a collision. It also acts as an alert to those outside of the vehicle.
Students dominate pedestrian traffic in the area during school terms, with close to 1000 students attending the nearby prep to year 12 Aitken College, and the Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School and other preschool facilities being close by.
The system trial is the result of collaboration between Major Road Projects Victoria, construction partner BMD and SGESCO-MAX, to find new ways to reduce the likelihood of safety incidents with members of the public during construction.
Success of the new technology will be closely monitored and evaluated, with a view to rolling this and similar systems out more broadly across more of the state’s road projects.
“Today’s trials are tomorrow’s business as usual. We’re so impressed by the technology that we’re looking to equip more of our heavy vehicles with this system to address blind spots for our crews,” said BMD senior project engineer Todd Stemmer.
Stage 1 of the Mickleham Road Upgrade will include building extra lanes in each direction on Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard, along with new traffic lights, intersection upgrades, and better walking and cycling connections.
Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard is used by more than 25,000 vehicles each day and is a key arterial route for Melbourne’s growing north-west.
Stage 1 of the Mickleham Road Upgrade is expected to be complete in mid-2025.