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The overhead electronic signs mostly display normal speed limits relevant to that section of the Smart Freeway. However they can be changed by our operators in response to traffic build-ups or any incidents on the freeway, slowing vehicles down to allow the traffic ahead to clear.

By managing the flow of traffic on the Smart Freeway, we can reduce the impact of incidents and shorten the time taken to clear stop/start traffic conditions.

These overhead electronic speed signs are controlled by the Road Network Operations Centre, which monitors traffic numbers and speeds on our Smart Freeway using a range of technologies such as sensors, radars and CCTV.

When there’s an incident causing congestion to build up, our operators can reduce speeds on the freeway. Slowing vehicles down allows the traffic ahead to clear, preventing stop-start conditions, and reducing rear-end crashes.

The overhead electronic signs are also used to close lanes and direct traffic into adjoining lanes when there’s an incident or debris ahead on the Smart Freeway.

These systems are used to improve travel times and enhance safety.

The signs change quickly, generally in less than a minute. This happens as soon as the operators monitoring the freeway confirm the exact location, ensuring the right information is uploaded onto the correct screens.

No, the overhead speed limits will always be consistent across all open lanes. However a lane or lanes may be closed using a red ‘X’, indicating you cannot drive in it, or may display a ‘White Arrow’, indicating that the lane up ahead is closed, meaning drivers should move out of the lane or lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.

The electronic message boards display messages that inform drivers of the road conditions ahead – eg upcoming lane closures, speed reductions, potential delays and imminent road detours or closures.

No, the message boards are used to display messages relevant to drivers using Kwinana Freeway.

We want drivers to understand that any messages displayed on the boards are important to their journey and should be read and followed.

Lanes are closed and marked with a ‘Red X’ for safety reasons, so it’s important not to enter or stay in a ‘Red X’ lane.

Drivers ignoring the regulated signs may be subject to prosecution and/or infringement, just as they would be on any other part of the road network.

The ‘Red X’ is used to ensure safety on the freeway, particularly when there is already an interruption to the traffic flow due to an incident, crash or debris ahead.

The ‘Red X’ is not used in isolation; speed limits are also reduced and preceding overhead electronic signs direct traffic out of the closed lane.

Managing traffic in this way means that congestion dissipates quicker.

No, the overhead speed limits will always be consistent across all open lanes. However a lane or lanes may be closed using a red ‘X’, indicating you cannot drive in it, or may display a ‘White Arrow’, indicating that the lane up ahead is closed, meaning drivers should move out of the lane or lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.

The ramp signals are used to prevent congestion on the Smart Freeway -– mainly during peak periods or when there is an incident. They will flash yellow when they switch on and again when they switch off, to let drivers know of the change.

When switching on, the yellow lights flash for 10 seconds followed by four seconds of constant yellow then six seconds of red before switching to the normal green, yellow, red cycle.

When flashing yellow, you may proceed through the lights with caution, just like other traffic signals. If they change to constant yellow before you get to the stop line, stop and wait for the green light signals.

When the ramp signals are switching off, they flash yellow for ten seconds, during which you may proceed with caution.

Each northbound on-ramp on the Smart Freeway has vehicle detectors in the road surface that provide data about the number of vehicles entering the ramp, how quickly they’re moving through and how much traffic is already on the freeway.

This information is shared between all ramps, with computers calculating how long vehicles need to be kept at each ramp signal for optimal freeway flow.

Each signal could vary depending on the amount of traffic seeking to access the freeway and the traffic conditions on the freeway. However, the ramp signals generally change much quicker than normal traffic lights

‘White Arrows’ are generally activated at least one overhead electronic sign prior to arriving at a ‘Red X’.

However, if you’re between overhead signs, you may not see the change until the ‘Red X’ appears on the next sign ahead of you. If it does, move out of that lane as quickly as it is safe to do so.

You should change lanes as soon as it is safe to do so whenever you see a ‘White Arrow’ above that lane.

No, the overhead speed limits will always be consistent across all open lanes. However a lane or lanes may be closed using a red ‘X’, indicating you cannot drive in it, or may display a ‘White Arrow’, indicating that the lane up ahead is closed, meaning drivers should move out of the lane or lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.

The emergency stopping bays are monitored 24/7 by staff in our Road Network Operations Centre who can respond quickly and send help if needed.

The stopping bays are equipped with an emergency phone you can use to speak directly with our operators about your situation, or call 138 138 if you can’t leave your vehicle.

You must call our operators to receive advice before you can safely exit the bay.

But remember, emergency stopping bays are for emergencies only and should not be used as a pit stop or to make and receive phone calls.

An emergency is any situation where a vehicle on the Smart Freeway cannot continue driving and is unable to reach the next available exit, which is always the safest option. This situation may occur due to mechanical / electrical issues, a minor crash or the occupant experiencing a medical episode impacting their ability to drive.

Emergency stopping bays must not be used to park and take or make mobile phone calls, take photographs, have a comfort break or any other reason where a driver might choose to pull over and out of traffic on a normal suburban road.