Latest Austroads publications, 2015 Award Recipients and upcoming seminars
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Welcome to the July 2015 issue of AustroadsNews

This edition has information about our 2015-16 projects, a run-down on our latest publications, this year's Austroads Awards recipients, new contact details for NEVDIS, and links to upcoming seminars and conferences.

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Austroads 2015-16 Project Plans

Austroads' 2015-16 Operational Plan, which complements the 2012-16 Strategic Plan, was recently published.

The Operational Plan provides an overview of the way the Austroads Programs are working towards the strategic plan outcomes and the Programs' current research work plans.
Download the 2015-16 Operational Plan
 
 

Safe System in the Planning Process

The Safe System approach aims to support development of a forgiving transport system that is better able to accommodate human error and road user vulnerability. Both the Australian and New Zealand National Road Safety Strategies are built on the Safe System approach. 

While safety is recognised as a desired outcome of land-use planning, Safe System principles are not widely employed by planners. Austroads has published a report which aims to promote the consideration of Safe System principles in planning decisions.

In dealing with the built form and transport, planners play a pivotal role in providing a safe environment for all people, irrespective of their mode of travel and travel purpose. Good planning and design sets the foundation for a safe road environment, which will protect people from death and serious injury. Transport and land-use planning influences the design and location of roads, how the road network is used, and what infrastructure safety investments are required.

Considering and implementing Safe System principles early in the planning process achieves the best possible balance between the multiple objectives, resulting in the best possible outcome for the community.

This report includes material that can be translated into a brochure or article to introduce planners to the Safe System. It also includes a checklist resource which may be adapted (as needed) and incorporated into planning guidance in order to prompt planners to consider road safety issues (including Safe System principles) during the planning process.
Download the report
 
 

Updated Network Management Guidelines Now Available

The Austroads Guide to Traffic Management consists of 13 parts and provides a comprehensive coverage of traffic management guidance for practitioners involved in traffic engineering, road design and road safety. Part 4: Network Management provides guidance on traffic management at a network level.

Part 4 addresses network needs of the various categories of user, the characteristics of various types of network and, importantly, describes a planning process for balancing or prioritising the competing needs of different users. Traffic management solutions and tools used to address needs at the network level include land-use access, traffic signals, parking, and lane allocation measures. These are discussed in general terms, particularly in the context of the network management planning process.

This third edition of the Guide updates the content relating to Network Operation Plans. 

Governments and the communities have a vision of their places, of which traffic and transport play a key role.

A Network Operation Plan aims to guide the operation and development of the road/transport network towards contributing to this vision by setting out how competing priorities between transport modes and adjacent land uses are to be managed.

A discussion on the use of Network Operation Plans in road design has also been included in the updated Guide.
Link to the Guide
 
 

Improving the Design Procedures for Asphalt Pavements

This report presents the progress made in the second year of a three-year Austroads project which aims to improve the design procedures for asphalt pavements in the Austroads Guide to Pavement Technology.

The report covers a variety of topics related to improving the design procedures for asphalt pavements in Australia. It includes:

  • literature reviews of perpetual pavement design concepts and the relationship between flexural and compressive modulus
  • results of comparative laboratory flexural and compressive modulus testing  
  • proposed changes to the Austroads test method for characterisation of flexural modulus and fatigue performance
  • work to validate the pavement temperature prediction models developed in the previous year of the study
  • the results of viscoelastic analysis of asphalt pavements  to assess the effect of temperature and loading time on asphalt moduli values at depth. 
Download the report
 
 

Developing a Durability Test Method for Sprayed Sealed Binders

This report presents the results of a field validation study that was conducted as part of the development of a new long-term ageing (durability) test for bituminous binders used in sprayed seals in Australia.

The field validation study of the new durability test method was conducted using field property information collected from a sprayed sealing trial site constructed at Coober Pedy in South Australia. Analysis of the results from dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) flow tests and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests found a reasonable similarity between the ageing process simulated using the pressure ageing vessel (PAV) for a short time (e.g. 30 hours) and the ageing process which occurred in the field for a certain service period (e.g. 3 years).

The validation study suggested that PAV treatment is able to produce artificially aged binders which are quite similar to field aged binders that have been in service for a long time. Due to this, PAV treatment of binders appears to be a suitable approach for ageing binders in the new durability test method.
Download the report
 
 

National Cycling Strategy: Implementation Report 2014

In June 2015 the Australian Bicycle Council published the National Cycling Strategy Implementation Report 2014 which outlines the progress made on the National Cycling Strategy in 2014.

In this, the fourth year of the National Cycling Strategy 2011-16:​

  • Australian states and territories invested $112.8 million in cycling related infrastructure, education and promotion in 2013-14.
  • Bicycles outsold cars for the 15th year running with over 1.3 million bicycles sold in the 2013-14 year.
  • The National Road Safety Action Plan for 2015-17 focused heavily on the safety of vulnerable road users.
  • Level of Service Metrics, National Guidelines for Transport Systems Management and other projects integrated bicycle transport considerations.
  • The NSW Government released a Cycling Safety Action Plan for 2014-16.
  • The Queensland Government announced measures that will be taken in response to its parliamentary inquiry.
  • South Australia conducted a Citizen's Jury to ask how cars and bicycles can share the road safely.
  • The Western Australian government released a "Share Our Roads" campaign.
  • Tasmania and Queensland launched campaigns to encourage motorists to stay wider of the rider.
  • Northern Territory held an open day at Parap Road Safety Centre.
  • The ACT conducted a Vulnerable Road User inquiry.
Download the report
 
 

Improving Bridge Deterioration Models and Predictive Tools

The management of Australia and New Zealand’s bridge stock involves the development of forward works programs which include scheduling maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement. However asset managers often find it difficult to estimate when these costs will be incurred and plan accordingly.

Bridge deterioration modelling and prediction tools have the potential to improve the scheduling of maintenance and replacement works for bridges. In this report, state-of-the-art deterioration modelling techniques are reviewed highlighting the advantages and limitations of each approach. The findings indicate that deterioration modelling can be difficult to implement given the lack of integration of the data sets with existing bridge asset management tools.

Based on the results of a comprehensive survey of Australian and New Zealand road agencies, the status quo regarding bridge asset management practices is discussed and evaluated. This includes the number of condition states, inspection frequency, structural inventory classification, and the collection of environmental data and historical cost data. In addition, issues such as intervention levels, utilisation of condition data, quality assurance and quality control of inspection data and engineering judgement were also reviewed. The report identifies differences in approaches between member road agencies and makes recommendations regarding minimum data sets required for deterioration modelling.
Download the report
 
 

The Influence of Multiple Axle Group Loads on Flexible Design

The current Austroads approach to assess the relative damaging effects of different axle groups on road pavements is by comparison of the peak static pavement deflection response under the axle groups. The assumption that deflection is the most appropriate indicator of pavement damage is open to question and is not consistent with the use of strains to calculate the performance of pavement materials.

In response, research conducted has determined that, with regard to the fatigue damage of asphalt and cemented materials, the standard load for an axle group type is dependent upon the thickness and modulus of the asphalt and the underlying pavement structure.

As a result, it is proposed that the mechanistic design procedure for flexible pavements not use the concept of standard loads, but rather that the procedure determines the pavement damage resulting from each axle load and each axle group within a traffic load distribution. An examination of the implications of pavement design outcomes in using this method determined that in general, reductions in both asphalt and cemented material thicknesses of up to 50 mm would result.

The research also determined that the currently used standard loads for tandem, triaxle and quad-axle were appropriate for use with the current empirical procedures for the design of granular pavements with thin bituminous surfacings.
Download the report
 
 

Analysing Dynamic Wheel Loading and its Effects on the Network

Pavement and bridge designers must ensure that structures are strong enough to cater for the heaviest vehicle and the cumulative effects of the passage of all vehicles. Heavy vehicles, due to their higher axle loads, contribute the most wear and damage, and as a result are a primary consideration in the structural design process. 

The Austroads project Analysing Dynamic Wheel Loading and its Effects on the Network aims to quantify the impacts of dynamic wheel loads applied by vehicles to pavement surfaces and bridges. 

This progress report documents the work associated with the last years of the three-year project.

The project implemented changes in approach to overcome limitations in previously trialled models for linking vehicle/road characteristics and dynamic wheel loads. In particular, a physical dynamics model was implemented to replace previous statistical models, and provide a more reliable and accurate link between wheel loads and road profile, and enable calculations of spatial repeatability. This approach, and the selected dynamic parameters to study, was supported through a comprehensive literature review.

A test program, specifically designed to collect data to support this revised modelling approach, was also successfully carried out. 
Download the report
 
 

NEVDIS is relocating

The National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS) is owned by Austroads. This essential customer service system amalgamates national information about vehicles and driver licenses. 

The NEVDIS team will relocate to the Austroads National Office. From Monday 3 August 2015 all NEVDIS contact details will change. 

Please take note of our new details and update your records.
Address: Level 9, 287 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW
Phone: 02 8265 3350
Fax: 02 8265 3399

Email
General: nevdis@nevdis.com.au
Support: nevdis_support@nevdis.com.au

We are committed to making this a smooth service transition. The move will not impact access to NEVDIS data. The NEVDIS support team will continue to be on hand to respond to queries and address issues.
 
 
 

 

Congratulations Austroads Awards Recipients

Austroads awards recognise the contribution of individuals to our work. Most people undertaking work for Austroads, usually staff of Austroads’ member organisations, do that work in addition to their regular work. The success of Austroads is heavily dependent on their efforts and commitment.  Congratulations and thank you to this year's award recipients, who are listed below.

Outstanding Service Awards

  • John Goldsworthy – DIRD
    In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Austroads and its activities over many years; including his role in the development of the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020, oversight of implementation and performance monitoring for the strategy, leadership of the ‘Making it Happen’ theme group, and particularly for strong leadership during the development of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2015-2017.
  • Noel O’Callaghan – DPTI SA
    In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Austroads and its activities over a sustained period, particularly in the area of road design and his representation of Austroads in both national and international forums.
  • Steve Clark – DPTI SA
    In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Austroads through the technical leadership of projects, participation of the Traffic Management Working Group and representation on Standards Committees.

Special Commendation Award

  • Rob Grove –  ex MR WA
    In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Austroads and its activities over a sustained period, particularly in the area of road design.

Achievement Awards

  • Jose Arredondo – NTC
    In recognition of his successful project management and delivery of two Freight Program projects, FS1805: Quantification of Benefits of High Productivity Vehicles and FS1804: PBS Level 3 and 4 Standards Review.
  • Simone Hewitt - VicRoads
    In recognition of her role as technical advisor to lead the harmonisation of traffic management practice projects for Australia and New Zealand with the Traffic Management Working Group.
  • Wayne Harvey – VicRoads
    In recognition of his project management and technical leadership of project NT1913: ITS Performance Benchmark.
  • Phil Stratton – DPTI SA
     In recognition of his leadership and specialist knowledge in the development of an accredited training scheme for traffic control at worksites.
  • Jacqui Blake - NZTA
    In recognition of her technical knowledge and project management for the improving accessibility with network operations planning project.
  • Gordon Farrelly – RMS NSW 
    In recognition of his project management for the techniques for signal management to improve network operations project.
  • Dave Landmark – MR WA
    In recognition of his project management and technical knowledge in the review and updating of various parts of the Austroads Guide to Traffic Management.
  • Nerida Leal – DTMR QLD
    In recognition of her management of a complex project for the Safety Program: SS1755 Options for rehabilitation in alcohol interlock programs.
  • Olivia Sherwood – DIRD
    In recognition of her management of an important project for the Safety Program: SS1937 Assistance with the 2014 National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) Review.
  • Colin Brodie – NZTA
    In recognition of his ongoing contributions to the Safety Task Force and management of an important project for the Safety Program: ST1888 Strategic Review of the Austroads Guide to Road Safety.
  • Claire Thompson – MRWA
    In recognition of her management of a complex project for the Safety Program: SS1753 Review of BAC Limits in Australia and New Zealand.
 
 
 

State of the Cities and Regional Australia reports released

The Australian Government has released the State of Australian Cities 2014-15 and Progress in Australian Regions: State of Regional Australia 2015 .

The State of Australian Cities 2014-15 report provides a national tool for all levels of government to understand how Australian cities are performing and the vital role that Australian cities play in the growth of our economy. The report examines population growth, economic growth and the increased traffic flows through Australian ports and airports and on roads and rail lines.

The Progress in Australian Regions: State of Regional Australia 2015 report illustrates the trends and patterns of economic and social progress in regional Australia and the different ways that regions change. It takes into account aspects like population growth, economic wellbeing and social progress including chapters on demographics, economics, structural change, social progress and infrastructure. The report also shows that infrastructure continues to support regional Australian economies by promoting the efficient flow of people and resources while also providing regional Australians with access to essential services such as education and health.

Both reports provide an understanding of our cities and regions to inform policy and investment decisions to help maximise each regions' potential and harness the opportunities associated with each region's own unique advantages.
 
 
 

Commonwealth announces Round 2 of  Bridges Renewal Programme

The Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development has launched round two of the Bridges Renewal Programme (BRP).  Round two is open to Local Governments and up to $100 million in funding is available.

The BRP aims to contribute to the productivity of bridges serving local communities, and facilitate higher productivity vehicle access.  Projects will be selected as part of a competitive, merit based process.

The Australian Government will contribute a maximum of 50% of the total project cost.  Proponents are encouraged to consult with industry and community more broadly on potential projects to ensure community views and industry priorities are considered in the development of proposals.

The closing date for submissions is 31 August 2015.
More information
 
 
 

International Collaboration to Improve Performance of Transport Administration

The World Road Association's Performance of Transport Administrations committee recently met in Denver Colorado. The committee, chaired by Brendan Nugent Transport for NSW, has three work streams:

  • Evolution of structures and missions of the administrations
  •  Assessment of performance of the administration

  • Good governance and anti-corruption measures

Each of the work streams have made substantial progress on their individual projects and are well placed to produce a series of high value outputs that will be of benefit to Austroads members and the International roads and transport community.
Read the Committee update
 
 

XXVth World Road Congress - Seoul, 2-6 November 2015

"Transport and mobility - creating new value from transport" is the theme of the XXVth World Road Congress in Seoul (South Korea), 2-6 November 2015. Ministers, international experts and congress delegates from all over the world will participate in some 40 technical sessions and workshops dedicated to mobility in megacities, road safety, adaptation to climate change, decarbonisation of road transport, the importance of road maintenance, road financing, large structures, rural roads, freight transport and many more topics.

A wide range of technical visits will also allow you to enjoy the very best of Korean road transport technology.

Register before 31 August 2015 for the early bird rate for this exceptional event. For more information visit  www.piarcseoul2015.org
 
 
 

Upcoming Workshops + Conferences

Australian Walking and Cycling Conference 
20-21 July 2015, Adelaide, South Australia

AITPM National Traffic and Transport Conference
28-31 July 2015, Brisbane, Queensland

Trafinz Conference 2015
12-14 August 2015, Dunedin, New Zealand

Parking Australia Outlook Conference 2015
19-20 August 2015, Sydney, NSW

Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting
23-26 August, Brisbane, Queensland

Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress 2015 
13-16 September 2015, Brisbane, Queensland

AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference
13-16 September 2015, Gold Coast, Queensland

Australasian Road Safety Conference 
14-16 October 2015, Gold Coast, Queensland

XXVth World Road Congress
2-6 November 2015, Seoul, Korea

4th International Conference on Driver Distraction and Inattention
9-11 November 2015, Sydney, Australia

Sixth International Conference on Traffic and Transport Psychology 2-5 August 2016, Brisbane, Queensland

23rd ITS World Congress Melbourne 2016
10-14 October 2016, Melbourne Victoria
 
 
 
Austroads
Level 9, 287 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel. +61 2 8265 3300
 
 
 
Contributions for future newsletters are always welcome. 
Please email the Austroads Communications Manager, Elaena Gardner egardner@austroads.com.au