NICTA and RTA partnership for traffic control innovation

NICTA and the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) have formed a partnership to increase the effectiveness of existing traffic and transport infrastructure using smart technology. The aim is to research and develop new generation traffic control systems to tackle congestion that is estimated to currently cost Australia alone about $AU10 billion annually. This paper outlines the technical, methodological and collaborative nature of the relationship and shows how the parties complement each others experience and expertise. The research benefits from two live RTA contributed test-beds; a traffic signal controlled intersection in Sydney, and a highway roundabout in the Illawarra region. At a high level, the intended design direction is discussed, namely the development of advanced real-time traffic control systems using video sensors, traffic models and optimisation techniques for flexible signal group control.