First test of self-driving trucks to hit CityLink on Friday

A self-driving truck will be trialled on CityLink for the first time on Australian roads in a glimpse at the future of freight transport.

A self-driving truck will be trialled on Melbourne’s CityLink from Friday in the first test of its kind on Australian public roads from Friday.

A safety driver will be on-board the large vehicle at all times, and will only take control of the wheel if required.

The automated truck will only travel at night when there is less traffic on the road, and will be accompanied by a pilot vehicle in the initial stages.

The truck has been tested over several weeks at the Australian Automotive Research Centre in Anglesea.

Transurban’s general manager of strategy Tien-TiMak said the night-time trials would capture valuable insights to prepare for future road operations.

Transurban will trial the self-driving truck as they investigate the future of freight on our roads. Picture: Transurban

“While it’s difficult to pinpoint when the vast majority of cars on our roads will be CAVs, we do know they’re coming,” he said.

“We thinking about how people and freight will get around Melbourne 10 or 20 years from now.”

Test “driver” Breanee Turner, who is one of three specially trained operators behind the wheel, said the venture was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I feel really lucky,” she said.

“Driving an automated truck removes a lot of the mental burden of driving a normal, non-automated truck.”

“You’re able to focus a lot more on what’s going on around you instead of worrying about managing your speed, steering, and giving enough room to cars around the truck.”

The truck will not rely on vehicle sensors, but will feed real-time data from CCTV cameras and lane use management signs to stay safe in line with traffic conditions.

The truck will operate at night and with specially trained operators behind the wheel. Picture: Transurban

The on-road test is to assess how roads in the future will cope with the mix of vehicles already on the city’s transport network.

Road freight especially is projected to grow steadily in coming decades, with automated vehicles potentially moving more goods quicker.

The 80kmh trials will be held in the right lane on a 27.5km route from Todd Rd on the West Gate Freeway, along CityLink and through to Warrigal Rd on the Monash Freeway. The truck will then return on the same route.

Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson said Melbourne was leading the way in technology and infrastructure innovation.

“Demand for cargo is booming and the freight sector is at the centre of it. We need to look at all opportunities, including automated technologies, to make sure our city and the sector can thrive while the demand keeps rising.

“This trial will help us understand how roads, on-road technology and our drivers can be future-proofed to help keep freight and motorists moving in smart, safe and efficient ways.’’

The trials are expected to wrap up by mid-December.

Transurban’s head of safety Liz Waller said thousands of pieces of technology were built in to CityLink making it well placed to handle these trials.

“Rolling-out the trials safely is our top priority and we’re working closely with key authorities to complete these trials with minimal disruption to motorists.”

“Transurban’s team of 24/7 traffic control officers will have their eyes on the road and will be monitoring traffic conditions to keep all motorists moving safely and efficiently.”