More than 1,400 pieces of technology make up the new the Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound, including road sensors, on-ramp signals, CCTV cameras, incident detection sensors, digital signs and overhead gantries.

The new technology will enhance traffic flow and safety by collecting and analysing large amounts of data to respond to traffic conditions in real time.

This includes using overhead gantries to lower speed limits and provide warnings about incidents ahead, and utilising traffic signals at on-ramps to manage the flow of traffic onto the freeway during busy periods.

The smart freeway systems are part of a broader transformation of Mitchell Freeway, which began in July 2023 with the opening of the Mitchell Freeway extension to Alkimos and a third lane between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue opened in May this year.

The upgrades and addition of smart freeway systems are expected to save commuters seven minutes during the morning peak-hour commute.

The Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound will feature:

• new traffic signals on all 16 on-ramps, helping filter traffic onto the freeway and make merging smoother and easier;
• 23 overhead electronic signs with lane-use and variable-speed signs to let drivers know what speed to travel, what lanes to use and if there's an incident or accident ahead; and
• Digital Message Signs to inform motorists of traffic conditions in real time for safer and more reliable journeys.

Mitchell Freeway southbound is Perth's second Smart Freeway. The first Smart Freeway began operating on Kwinana Freeway northbound in August 2020.

The Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound, the Hodges to Hepburn widening and shared paths projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.