The M4 uses "intelligent technology" which has helped slash the number of accidents, shorten travel times and improve efficiency between Penrith and Parramatta.A $600-million upgrade between Parramatta and Penrith has created a smoother run on the M4.The total number of accidents has dropped by 40 per cent while travel times are down by 20 per cent, saving drivers up to 10 minutes, in comparison to 2016.
"The $600 million investment has assured that families are getting home safer, not only faster and more efficiently, but safer," Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said. "There's also been a jump of around 10 per cent in usage in recent years, with up to 35 thousand additional daily trips, as more people recognise the time-saving benefits.""In the first half of last year, the motorway was operating at close to pre-pandemic levels and we were seeing the benefits, so we're very confident they're going to sustain," Transport for NSW Adam Berry said.The real-time data feeds back to the traffic control room.
There are more than 1300 road sensors located along the M4 and CCTV helps operators control the variable message and speed signs. The variable speed signs allow traffic to slow down past breakdowns and other signs provide warnings of lanes closed for accidents."The sensors detect congestion and automatically lowers the speed limit on the variable signs," Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said.The real-time information has helped transport to identify crashes and traffic as they happen.