Carrying more than 180,000 vehicles a day, the West Gate Freeway is one of Victoria's major arterials.

VicRoads sought a partner to develop a Managed Motorway system that would improve the travel experience between Williamstown Road and the M80 Interchange. The system would also need to link to other existing ITS systems operated by VicRoads.

Ventia was awarded this contract in 2013 and brought its considerable, proven and successful experience working with VicRoads to upgrade, design, construct, integrate and maintain traffic management systems throughout the state.

The purpose of the West Gate Managed Motorway Project was to upgrade the ITS to enable VicRoads to:

• better manage traffic flow
• improve reliability and safety
• create a smarter road.

To help VicRoads achieve the project outcomes and improve traffic flow for Melbourne's motorists on one of Australia's busiest roads, Ventia applied its existing, contemporary experience to design a system that integrated with the existing ITS. Construction was completed in 2014 and included the longest gantry in the Southern Hemisphere.

Key features of Ventia's integrated solution for VicRoads include:

• Lane use management signs and associated gantries (including the longest gantry in the Southern Hemisphere)
• Non-intrusive traffic data collection stations
• CCTV cameras
• Supporting ICT infrastructure including active equipment, fibre network, pits cabinets and conduits
• Integration of new section of ITS equipment into the existing ITS FMS network including communications links and access switches
• Power systems and reticulation.