Heavy vehicles working on the first stage of the Mickleham Road upgrade will be the first in Australia to benefit from new safety technology.
Automatic detection systems have been installed inside some heavy vehicles used in the project, to alert the driver that a vulnerable road user, such as a pedestrian, cyclist or scooter rider is in the vicinity, in particular during left-hand turning manoeuvres.
Powered by an artificial intelligence based smart camera, this side view technology as part of the MAX-SAFE system which uses electronic flashing lights and alarms will initiate inside and outside the vehicle, providing the crews who are operating heavy vehicles and machinery the advanced warning they need to assist with avoiding an unexpected collision with a vulnerable road user. It also acts to alert those outside of the vehicle.
Major Road Projects Victoria area safety manager Kelvin Doyle said the technology would help to reduce the likelihood of incidents around heavy equipment on site.
“Through close collaboration with our construction partner BMD, we’ve developed this trial of the MaxSafe technology, providing the critical audio and visual warnings to not only the operator within the cabin, but also those vulnerable road users outside of the heavy vehicle,” he said.
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.
The Victorian and federal governments have invested $222 million for the Mickleham Road upgrade. Stage one of the project is expected to be complete in mid-2025.
