New tech used for Clyde Road Upgrade

Clyde Road Upgrade is using new augmented reality technology. (Supplied)

The latest in augmented reality technology is being put to good use on the Clyde Road Upgrade.

Major Road Projects Victoria and its early works construction contractor Downer have begun using the Augmented Reality for Real-Time Site Interaction system to help make underground service location safer and more efficient.

Being able to show where underground services are located in real time, this innovative technology uses existing maps and data to create a 3D model of underground services, allowing crews to coordinate their work and see in real time what is under their feet.

“We’re viewing Clyde Road’s intricate gas, sewage and electrical services in a whole new way thanks to the latest augmented reality technology,” Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Marc Peterson said.

“This technology is the next in the line of major improvements to how we dig, minimising service strikes and outages and cutting down construction time in the process.”

With the ability to see the location of services in real-time, crews are reducing the hazard risk of accidental service strikes, which can lead to significant injury.

The safety benefits are also matched with a clear cost and time saving by decreasing unplanned outages during construction, bringing down costs, and improving decision making by having clear visuals of where services are located.

Crews have been putting the technology to good use on the Clyde Road Upgrade as they commence works to safely relocate underground telecommunication services across the Princes Freeway.

There will be lane closures in both directions of the Princes Freeway under Clyde Road from now until Sunday 18 August, from 9pm to 5am each night.

Delays of up to five minutes are expected while lanes are closed on the Princes Freeway. Detours will be in place via the Princes Highway and O’Shea Road while the Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp from Clyde Road is closed.

Access for emergency services and to surrounding hospitals, learning institutions and businesses will be maintained at all times. There will be no impact on public transport services.  

The project will also close the Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp from Clyde Road between Tuesday 6 August and Friday 9 August, from 9pm to 5am each night.

The Clyde Road Upgrade will commence major construction later this year.