The Victorian government is using augmented reality to help relocate underground utilities safely and efficiently at a major road upgrade in suburban Melbourne
Victoria has enlisted the help of augmented reality (AR) in a series of planned road upgrades, starting with a project on Clyde Road in suburban Melbourne.
Commonly used in video games, AR is being used to make the job of relocating underground utilities safer and more efficient, with Victoria’s Big Build saying it can be an essential tool in improving decision making.
Commonly used in video games, AR technology can create 3D models showing where underground services are located, which can be viewed on a smartphone, tablet, or virtual reality headset.
By having a clear, real-time picture of where these utilities are located in real-time, Victoria’s Big Build says AR is reducing the risk of unplanned outages during construction, decreases costs and reduces the need for digging.
“The combination of advanced utility locating techniques, 3D modelling, and real-time AR integration represents a huge advancement in underground service management, bringing both practical and safety benefits to our projects and the broader community,” Victoria’s Big Build says.
Clyde Road is being upgraded between Enterprise Avenue and the Princes Freeway, adding an additional lane in each direction, and upgrading intersections at Clyde Road and Kangan Drive, and Clyde Road and the Princes Freeway.
The additional lanes and upgraded intersections will improve safety for all – including those walking on the footpath and cyclists – and reduce the risk of crashes, Victoria’s Big Build says.
Local facilities and streets will be easier to access, and improved traffic flow will lead to more reliable travel times, it adds.