RoadWatch: Roundup
July 2026
Welcome to our monthly Austroads RoadWatch: Roundup for July. Discover our latest news, published reports, Guide updates, webinars and events.
Austroads and ALGA launch national award recognising councils turning guidance into community impact
Entries now open for the inaugural Austroads Guidance to Impact Award 2027.
Austroads, together with the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), has launched the inaugural Austroads Guidance to Impact Award 2027, celebrating local governments that have successfully applied Austroads guidance, tools and technical resources to address transport and infrastructure challenges and deliver benefits for their communities.
Open to Australian local governments, regional organisations of councils and joint council alliances, the award showcases projects that demonstrate measurable improvements in areas including road safety, transport planning, sustainability, infrastructure performance and community wellbeing.
To be eligible, projects must demonstrate the application of current Austroads guidance, material or tools and show a measurable contribution to one or more of the following areas:
- Road safety
- Active travel, network and traffic planning
- Sustainability and climate resilience
- Infrastructure performance and innovation
- Community outcomes
The winner will be sponsored to present their project through an Austroads webinar and at the ALGA National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress 2027. Winners and finalists will also be recognised at the ALGA National General Assembly 2027.
Austroads and ALGA seek local government input to shape future technical specifications
Local councils across Australia are invited to participate in a national survey that will help ensure technical specifications used for road and bridge infrastructure are practical, fit-for-purpose and better aligned with local government needs.
The survey builds on work undertaken by the Austroads Technical Advisory Group (ATAG), which provides expert technical leadership and oversight for Austroads Technical Specifications. Through this work, Austroads is seeking to ensure that the ATS continue to meet the needs of all road management agencies, including local governments, which manage the majority of Australia's road network.
The survey also provides an opportunity for councils to engage directly with Austroads through a follow-up conversation.
The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and will remain open until 31 August 2026.
Webinar: Implementation of Austroads Technical Specifications
Austroads is hosting a webinar on the implementation of its Technical Specifications, offering insight into how these nationally consistent requirements are being applied across jurisdictions.
This webinar will give an overview of the Austroads Technical Specifications, including how they are being developed in collaboration with jurisdictions and industry. It will explore the principles guiding their development and the role they play in supporting consistent, best-practice road and bridge construction outcomes.
Presentations from agencies will also outline their approaches to implementation, covering key objectives, delivery strategies, and lessons learned. Speakers will share insights into their implementation processes, along with current progress and timelines for adopting the specifications within their organisations.
New strategy to advance performance testing of granular materials
Austroads has released a new report proposing a research strategy to improve how the structural performance of unbound granular materials is tested, supporting more reliable and fit-for-purpose road construction practices.
Current testing methods have limitations in accurately assessing how granular materials perform under real-world conditions. This research identifies alternative approaches and highlights priority areas for further investigation to strengthen performance-based characterisation.
Several methods were identified for further evaluation, including the precision unbound granular analyser (PUMA), the gyratory compactor, and the large wheel tracking device. These approaches show potential to better simulate loading conditions and improve insights into deformation and rut resistance.
Watch this webinar to learn about the latest Austroads research into improving the performance of unbound granular pavement materials. You'll also explore emerging test methods that could support more reliable pavement design and specifications.
How road agencies can use fibre optic sensing to better monitor traffic, detect incidents and manage assets
Austroads has released new guidance outlining how fibre optic sensing can be applied across road networks and what agencies need to consider before adopting it. The report sets out where the technology is already delivering results, where it is still developing, and how to assess whether it is the right fit for different purposes in transport operations.
Some applications are already in use, such as tunnel fire detection, where the technology enables continuous monitoring and precise location of incidents. Other applications, such as traffic monitoring, are still developing but show potential to provide continuous data along entire corridors rather than at fixed points.
Austroads Transport Network Operations Program Manager Amy Naulls said the report helps agencies make practical decisions about using the technology. Ms Naulls added “the real value of fibre optic sensing comes from what agencies do with the data. Data analytics and signal processing capability turn raw sensor output into useful operational insights.”
Watch this webinar to learn how fibre optic sensing technologies can support traffic monitoring, asset management, security and network operations. You'll also explore practical use cases, emerging applications and guidance for integrating these technologies into transport networks.
Supporting the path to zero: New Knowledge Hub and webinar
Austroads has launched a new Knowledge Hub to support road authorities and road safety practitioners across Australia and New Zealand to plan for and deliver zero road deaths and serious injuries.
Bringing together a comprehensive suite of practical resources, the hub is designed to help translate long-term safety ambitions and commitments into clear, actionable pathways. It provides structured guidance for developing road safety strategies, strengthening delivery of road safety actions, and supporting the organisational and stakeholder change needed to embed safety throughout the road transport system and achieve sustained reductions in death and serious injury.
"We’ve heard consistently that practitioners want practical guidance they can apply in their own context. This hub brings together the tools, frameworks and supporting materials in one place to make that easier," said Michael Nieuwesteeg, Austroads Road Safety and Design Program Manager.
Watch this webinar to explore the Austroads Knowledge Hub and the range of resources available, including fact sheets, infographics, engagement guidance, briefings and messaging toolkits. You'll also learn how the Planning for Zero Framework can help jurisdictions turn Vision Zero ambitions into practical action.
South Australia's latest AusRAP results highlight progress towards safer roads
Austroads has welcomed the release of South Australia's latest Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) results, which demonstrate significant progress in improving the safety of the state's regional road network and contribute to a growing national picture of road safety performance.
South Australia's latest assessment, undertaken in 2023 and 2025, shows a substantial improvement in the proportion of regional roads achieving three-star or better safety ratings, with almost 3,000 kilometres of the assessed network recording an improved rating since the first assessment in 2014.
The latest South Australian results show a 54 per cent increase in the length of roads rated three stars or better since 2014 and contribute to Australia's broader ambition of increasing the proportion of travel occurring on safer roads.
Understanding hazard perception key to improving novice driver safety
Austroads’ literature review of hazard perception tests identifies what makes these tests effective, with a particular focus on novice drivers. It shows that the ability to anticipate and respond to hazards is a critical skill linked to safer driving and reduced crash risk.
“Hazard perception is one of the most important higher-order driving skills. This research shows that when drivers are better at identifying and responding to risks, they are more likely to drive safely,” said Austroads Road Safety and Design Program Manager Michael Nieuwesteeg.
The review also finds that performance on hazard perception tests is associated with safety outcomes. Drivers who require multiple attempts to pass are more likely to be involved in crashes than those who pass on their first attempt, suggesting the tests can help identify drivers who may need further support.
Explore the updates to the Guide to Temporary Traffic Management
Austroads is hosting a series of free webinars to help practitioners understand and apply the recent updates to the Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM). The sessions will explain key changes and provide practical guidance to support implementation.
The first webinar in the series attracted strong interest, with 628 participants attending the live session from 1,098 registrations overall. The webinar provided an overview of the key updates to the Guide. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording now and register for the remaining webinars in the series below. Registered participants will receive a recording after each session.
Using and understanding the AGTTM for Traffic Management Designers
Tuesday 4 August, 1:00 pm AEST
Register here
Using and understanding the AGTTM for Road Infrastructure Managers
Tuesday 1 September, 1:00 pm AEST
Register here
Using and understanding the AGTTM for Traffic Controllers & Traffic Management Implementers
Tuesday 20 October, 1:00 pm AEST
Register here
Using and understanding the AGTTM for Project Managers and Clients of TTM Providers
Tuesday 24 November, 1:00 pm AEST
Register here
Setting a clearer direction for improving the use of truck mounted attenuators across Australia and New Zealand
Austroads has brought together industry insight and international evidence to document current practice and inform the development of guidance for the use of truck‑mounted attenuators in planned temporary traffic management and incident response activities across Australia and New Zealand.
Drawing on extensive stakeholder consultation and a detailed review of existing literature, the research found that guidance for truck‑mounted attenuators is inconsistent and often limited. There is also a wide range of applications across different road environments, and between planned works and incident response, which makes it harder to apply attenuators consistently.
Building on this analysis, the research sets out a clear pathway for improvement, including 10 high‑level recommendations and 34 detailed actions across the key areas. These include establishing a dedicated section within the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM) focused on truck‑mounted attenuators for both planned and incident‑based activities.
Austroads recognised with Silver Award and communications finalist honour at 2026 Australasian Reporting Awards
Austroads has been recognised at the 2026 Australasian Reporting Awards (ARA), receiving a Silver Award in the General category and being named a finalist in the Special Award for Communication.
The Silver Award reflects a high standard of reporting against the ARA criteria. To achieve this level, an annual report must demonstrate solid disclosure of core business activities, regulatory compliance, and balanced, transparent reporting, supported by clear, reader-focused communication. It also requires outstanding performance in at least one major area of reporting and the inclusion of audited financial statements.
Being named a finalist in the Special Award for Communication recognises excellence in how organisations engage stakeholders through clear messaging, accessible content, and effective presentation of complex information.
Save the date: 13th Austroads Bridge Conference to be held in Perth, 16-18 August 2028
Calling all bridge owners, engineers, researchers, contractors and industry leaders.
Join us in Perth for the 13th Austroads Bridge Conference as we come together to share knowledge, showcase innovation and explore the future of bridge infrastructure across Australasia.
ABC2028 will provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across industry, academia and government while highlighting the latest developments in bridge engineering, asset management and infrastructure delivery.
Further details on the conference program, abstract submissions, sponsorship opportunities, exhibition packages and registration will be announced in the lead-up to the conference through RoadWatch: Roundup (this newsletter).
13th Austroads Bridge Conference
16-18 August 2028
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth, Western Australia
Austroads is proud to co-host the Australasian Road Safety Conference
As part of our commitment to saving lives and preventing serious injuries on our roads, Austroads is co-hosting the 2026 Australasian Road Safety Conference with the Australasian College of Road Safety.
In keeping with this year's theme, 'From Evidence to Action: Shaping a Brighter Future,' the event will showcase a range of Austroads road safety initiatives and provide an opportunity for practitioners to connect and share insights.
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney from 26 to 29 October. Early bird registration is open until 24 July and includes automatic registration for a prize draw.
All upcoming Austroads webinars
There is no charge for our webinars, but registration is essential. If you can’t make the live session, register and we will send you a link to the recording.
Implementation of Austroads Technical Specifications | Register
Monday, 20 July 2026, 1 pm AEST
This webinar will provide an overview of the Austroads Technical Specifications, including how they are being developed in collaboration with jurisdictions and industry. It will explore the principles guiding their creation and the role they play in supporting consistent, best-practice road and bridge construction outcomes.
Using and Understanding the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management for Traffic Management Designers | Register
Tuesday, 4 August 2026, 1 pm AEST
The webinar is suited to both practising and aspiring TMDs, and professionals working within or alongside the TTM industry who are looking to strengthen their understanding of the AGTTM and apply it more effectively in their day-to-day work.
Development of a New Austroads Fatigue Cracking Performance Test for Bitumen in Sprayed Seal Roads | Register
Monday, 10 August 2026, 1 pm AEST
This webinar presents the outcomes of Austroads Project APT1975, which conducted research to develop a new Austroads test method for evaluating the fatigue cracking performance of aged bitumen. The test method was developed for road agencies to select durable binders for constructing sprayed seal surfacings.
Update to Guide to Road Safety Part 3: Safe Speed Management | Register
Thursday, 20 August 2026, 1 pm AEST
This webinar will provide an overview of the updated Austroads Guide to Road Safety Part 3: Safe Speed Management, with a focus on how the guidance can support safer speed limit setting in practice.
Austroads Guide to Road Safety Part 7: Road Safety Strategy and Management | Register
Monday, 31 August 2026, 1 AEST
This webinar will explore key elements of the Edition 3.0 update Austroads Guide to Road Safety Part 7: Road Safety Strategy and Management, with a specific focus on the new Section 2: Road Safety Management.
Using and Understanding the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management for Road Infrastructure Managers | Register
Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 1 pm AEST
This webinar is designed for professionals working within or for RIMs, especially those responsible for managing TTM access to the road network for works, events, and emergencies.
Using and Understanding the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management for Traffic Controllers & Traffic Management Implementers | Register
Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 1 pm AEDT
This webinar is aimed at Traffic Controllers (TCs), Traffic Management Implementers (TMIs) and those involved in the on-site delivery of temporary traffic management, including team leaders and supervisors who oversee field implementation. The session is designed to improve understanding of the principles and requirements of the AGTTM and to summarise relevant recent updates and their application to TC and TMI.
Using and Understanding the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management for Project Managers and Clients of TTM Providers | Register
Tuesday, 24 November 2026, 1 pm AEDT
This webinar is aimed at any person who is responsible for engaging the services of TTM providers. This may include project managers, construction managers, site supervisors, procurement professionals and others involved in engaging or managing TTM service providers across various industries.
Work with us
Current vacancies
Austroads and Transport Certification Australia (TCA) employ staff across a range of specialised and technical disciplines. We pay attention to maintaining a safe and welcoming work environment, where all staff have equal access to opportunities. We encourage our staff to participate in external and internal training to make sure their skills and knowledge are continuously improved. We take inclusion and diversity seriously. We embrace difference and diversity of identity, experience and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviours across our company and our work.
We currently have positions open for:
- Certification and Compliance Coordinator
- Senior Project Manager
View current vacancies here.
Tenders
There are currently no active tender opportunities. To stay informed about future tenders, subscribe to the Austroads Tenders mailing list.
Upcoming industry events
13th Australian Small Bridge Conference, 28 - 29 July, Adelaide
Engineering, Innovation, and Technology Forum, 18 - 20 August, Brisbane
Bridge and Geotechnical Conference, 24 - 25 August, Auckland
MegaTrans, 16 - 17 September, Melbourne
Australasian Road Safety Conference, 26 - 29 October, Sydney
IPWEA International Asset Management Summit, 22 - 23 October, Melbourne
