Australia’s Victorian Government has announced that intelligent transport signs were switched on between High Street and Warrigal Road on the Monash Freeway to provide live updates to motorists about traffic conditions, travel times and delays.

The signs were switched on six months ahead of schedule to benefit motorists and allow traffic management to quickly detect accidents and breakdowns in real-time.

The project will help improve traffic flow and safety for the more than 176,000 motorists who use the Monash Freeway daily.

"The lane use management system lets us better manage the freeway network, meaning drivers spend less time in their cars and more time at home with their families."

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said: "Motorists who travel on this section of the freeway are constantly frustrated with congestion and delays on this important transport corridor, particularly during peak periods."

Road works, congestion and incidents can be better monitored and managed by using the overhead signs and CCTV cameras.

These signs will advise when a lane is open or closed and will allow for speed limits to be adjusted to suit upcoming traffic conditions.

Victorian roads, road safety and ports minister Luke Donnellan said: "The lane use management system lets us better manage the freeway network, meaning drivers spend less time in their cars and more time at home with their families.

"Motorists in Victoria are familiar with this technology, which is already installed from the M80 Ring Road to Clyde Road."

For the A$19.8m ($14.6m) project, the Australian and Victorian Governments have contributed A$9.9m ($7.3m) each.