Interfaces between managed motorways and arterial roads are critical connection points that can be subject to entry ramp congestion and unmanaged exit ramp overflow can spill out into the wider arterial road network and the motorway network. These present high risk to smooth traffic operations, but there is limited existing studies and understanding of how issues form and how to address them. Problems can also emerge away from locations that are monitored by existing traffic signal or ITS monitoring technologies.

To identify and treat problems in this type of interface area, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) are undertaking an advanced traffic data study. DTP have partnered with tech companies SAGE Automation and Bluecity (Velodyne) to conduct a multi-lidar data capture project to provide 24/7 full coverage object tracking in a heavily congested motorway and arterial interface area. This will assist in the identification of the following problems and causes: 1. Emerging congestion arising from entry ramps; 2. Emerging exit ramp congestion, resulting in safety risks from queue backs and motorway efficiency reduction; and 3. Emerging arterial road congestion around motorway interchanges – within and on approaches and interaction with closely spaced intersections.

Outcomes of this study will include understanding the potential for multi-lidar approaches for monitoring and responding to traffic conditions in real-time; strategy and investment guidance for use of multi-lidar technology; improved optimisation in motorway and arterial interfaces and better understanding of core problems within a motorway and arterial interface.