The Transport Department today announced the trial of a Smart Motorway Pilot Scheme will be launched on the Tsing Yi-bound road section of Ting Kau Bridge from 0.00am on December 29.

All necessary works, including the installation of additional lane control signals and variable message signs, as well as the full introduction of the Automatic Incident Detection System, have been completed on the section.

Leveraging artificial intelligence, the system can detect traffic incidents, stationary vehicles or other road abnormalities, and then notify staff at the Tsing Ma Control Area for follow-up, more efficiently. 

In case of traffic incidents, on-site staff may order the opening of the southbound hard shoulder on the bridge to ease traffic flow. Lane control signals and variable message signs will guide vehicles to pass in an orderly manner, relieving possible obstructions arising from incidents.

The department said the pilot scheme will involve monitoring all parts of the road section round the clock. A number of additional variable message signs have been installed along the entire road section to provide more targeted real-time information for motorists.

The department also urged drivers to take heed of lane control signals and speed limits at all times and follow instructions from on-site staff in the event of traffic incidents.

The trial will last one month. If it is goes smoothly, the department will conduct a mid-term review of the pilot scheme's effectiveness in about six months.

Traffic data collected under the scheme will also be conducive to the Government's formulation of a smart motorways strategy in the future.

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