Ventia, through the SmartWays Alliance with BMD and Arup, has secured a $30 million contract with Main Roads Western Australia (Main Roads) to utilise 'smart' technologies to transform Perth's Kwinana Freeway northbound between Canning Highway and the Narrows Bridge.

The project will increase road capacity by 33%, to provide improved journey times for residents in Perth's southern suburbs.

The project is Perth's first Smart Freeway, which involves multiple features including enhanced lane-use management, variable speed limits and coordinated ramp signals.

Ventia will design and construct the lane-use management system, which will enable safe implementation of an 'All Lane Running' environment, by using technology to display open and closed traffic lanes for incident management or to allow emergency services access.  Electronic signs along the freeway will inform motorists of traffic conditions ahead.

The Smart Freeways concept has been highly successful in other cities in Australia and overseas to manage congestion and improve safety. It will also enable Main Roads to get the most out of existing infrastructure.

Ventia's General Manager, Transport Vic Hensley said Ventia is proud to bring its technology expertise to collaborate on forward-thinking solutions for Main Roads.

"In developing and delivering this solution, we are bringing our experience in the technical and operational aspects of Smart Freeways to Main Roads," said Vic.

"Together with BMD Group and Arup, more than 70 years of experience in freeway design and construction, including that of technology professionals, will help Main Roads achieve its integrated technology vision for this contract.

"In addition, we will undertake meaningful consultation with the community, stakeholders and residents to deliver a project in the best interests of those who use and live by the freeway."

In just one example of this engagement, the project team is exploring ways to make the freeway visually appealing, which will include the incorporation of Aboriginal public art into the design.

This project forms part of a $2.3 billion package of road and rail infrastructure works for Western Australia, jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments. It will reduce congestion, and lead to safer and more efficient journeys. As part of this package, seven major road projects will be constructed in Perth's southern suburbs over the coming years.

The alliance team is now in the design phase for this transformative freeway project. Completion is expected in late 2019.