Variable message signs will keep drivers alert to conditions

Installation of an innovative project aimed at improving safety on the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Gympie will start this month (February).

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt today announced that Jay-1 Enterprises had been awarded the $1.5 million contract to design, supply and install six new variable message signs (VMS).

Mr Albanese said the project would improve safety on the busy AusLink highway between Cooroy and Gympie using the latest intelligent transport systems (ITS).

"Six VMS will be installed along the Bruce Highway at Black Mountain, Federal, Coles Creek, Tuchekoi, Traveston and Kybong,” Mr Albanese said.

“The VMS can identify different styles of driving and then target motorists who are behaving dangerously.

“This technology will also allow Main Roads to provide advance warning to motorists about congestion, crash sites, wet road conditions and other potential hazards.

"The installation of the six VMS should be finished by mid 2009, weather permitting," he said.

Mr Pitt said the ITS project would include a research and development component that assessed the influence of automatic messages on driver behaviour and safety.

"In the initial stages, the VMS will be used to display routine driver safety messages while the necessary hardware and software is developed to add intelligence to the system,” Mr Pitt said.

"When fully functional, the ITS will be able to automatically choose and display an appropriate message to target drivers doing the wrong thing, such as speeding.”

The total cost of the project is $2.7 million, with $1.5 million being federally funded and the remaining $1.2 million being funded by the Queensland Government.

Media enquiries: Mr Albanese’s Office – Jeff Singleton 0410 476 890

Mr Pitt’s Office – (07) 3227 8819