In June 2002 VicRoads launched a traffic light system called Freeway Ramp Signals that is designed to make freeway travel in Melbourne easier, safer and more reliable.
Freeway Ramp Signals is an Intelligent Transport System that uses traffic lights to regulate the flow of traffic merging with freeway traffic in peak periods.
The Freeway Ramp Signals system uses traffic lights to manage the rate at which vehicles are allowed to join freeway traffic. The traffic lights will operate during peak hours or when freeway conditions are heavy.
When the system switches on, the yellow signal will flash for approximately one minute.
The traffic lights will then turn red and motorists on the freeway entrance must stop.
The light will then turn green long enough to allow one vehicle in each lane to join the freeway traffic. The signal will then change to yellow before turning red for a few seconds.
The traffic lights will then continue to switch between green, yellow and red until the freeway traffic flow improves or after the peak period is over.
This will create more space between vehicles joining the freeway traffic and, as a result, will make merging with freeway traffic safer and easier.
When sensors in the freeway and entrance ramps indicate improved traffic flow, the Freeway Ramp Signals traffic lights will flash yellow and then switch off.
The benefits of the system include easier and safer merging from freeway entrances, reduced congestion, smoother traffic flow, more reliable journey times, improved safety and reduced emissions for freeway traffic.
The system is being progressively installed on other freeway entrances in Melbourne to ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
We welcome feedback from motorists using these new systems.
For further information
Freeway Ramp Signals - Information Bulletin [pdf, 1044 kb, 4pp]