Melbourne Commuter Gets Real-Time View of West Gate Bridge Traffic with DIY Livestream
A Melbourne man has launched a 24/7 livestream of the West Gate Bridge, providing commuters with a real-time view of traffic conditions. Clarke Towson, a Spotswood resident, set up the camera from his driveway to address the common question plaguing Melbourne drivers: “How bad is the West Gate?”
Addressing a Critical Commute Question
Towson’s livestream, accessible via YouTube @spotswoodtrailers, has already garnered nearly 20,000 views since its launch in January. He explained his motivation, stating, “It’s always been the same issue — how bad is the West Gate? Is it bad now? Should I cross now? Should I reroute?”
Beyond Existing Traffic Resources
Whereas resources like the VicTraffic website and toll road operator cameras provide traffic information, Towson’s livestream is the only publicly available live traffic camera specifically focused on the West Gate Bridge. He hopes the livestream helps people craft informed decisions about their commute, potentially saving them time and frustration.
A Unique Perspective and Future Plans
The camera, positioned in Cullen Court, Spotswood, offers a unique vantage point, capturing both inbound and outbound traffic. Towson, who has a background in computer science, has overlaid the vision with additional information, including travel time estimates. He is also exploring future additions, such as incorporating the sound of rain during storms and potentially running paid advertisements.
Understanding West Gate Bridge Traffic Volume
The Victorian government reports that more than 200,000 vehicles cross the West Gate Bridge each day. However, live data on vehicle counts is not publicly available. Towson has been using artificial intelligence (AI) to attempt to count vehicles, but accuracy is currently around 70% due to the camera’s distance from the bridge (approximately 1.2 kilometers).
Impact of the West Gate Tunnel
The recently opened West Gate Tunnel is expected to alleviate congestion. Since opening in December, over one million vehicles have used the tunnel, including 20% trucks. Initial data (January 19-25, 2026) shows a slight decrease in average daily volumes on the bridge, from approximately 196,000 vehicles before the tunnel opened to 170,000 vehicles afterward. However, the government notes that traffic volumes are typically lower during the Christmas and Recent Year period, and it will accept time for drivers to adjust to the new infrastructure.
Community Benefits and Future Expansion
Towson believes the truck curfews implemented with the tunnel’s opening have already significantly improved the quality of life for residents in the inner west. He envisions a network of cameras providing comprehensive coverage of the bridge and encourages others with suitable vantage points to contribute. “While this is the first piece of citizen infrastructure in Melbourne focused on the West Gate Bridge, I’m sure there’ll be others, since there are other smart people out there,” he said.
Travel Time Analysis
Analysis of travel time data along the West Gate Freeway, between Kororoit Creek Road and Kings Way, reveals that a smooth run takes about 12 minutes. During peak hours (7-9am and 4-6pm weekdays), average travel times increase to 27 and 29 minutes respectively, with potential delays of up to 45-75 minutes due to incidents or maintenance.