Light bulb moment as town switches on state’s most sophisticated traffic lights

New high-tech traffic signals to test the latest lifesaving vehicle systems have been switched on in the NSW Central West, as the Minns Labor Government continues to focus on making our roads safer into the future.   

While Cudal is a small town that does not have any traffic lights itself, it is home to the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC), a NSW Government facility focused on global innovation in road safety. 

The signals, installed at two intersections within the research centre, are a crucial part of Transport for NSW’s new advanced safety testing of connected vehicles. 

The eight traffic signals equipped with the latest Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) systems will enable safe scenario testing of wireless alerts that notify drivers if they are likely to run a red light, if there is a cyclist or pedestrian on the road, or of upcoming road work.  

The signals can also receive transmissions to notify them of an approaching emergency vehicle that should get priority passing through the intersection.  

The improvements follow an announcement in August that the facility would quadruple in size to 100 hectares to expand the current track to a four-kilometre loop circuit able to test heavy vehicle safety systems at highway speeds.  

Plans for the expansion are expected to go on public exhibition in coming months with work due to start in 2025.  

Upgrading the research centre improves Transport’s capacity to become a global leader in innovation by exploring cutting-edge technologies to improve road safety and efficiency. 

Find our more about the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre at transport.nsw.gov.au/fmtrc

Read the full media release here (PDF, 89.28 KB)