RoadWatch: Roundup
August 2025
Welcome to our monthly Austroads RoadWatch: Roundup for August. Discover our latest news, published reports, Guide updates, webinars and events.
New ADAS service to help drivers use vehicle technology safely
Austroads has launched a new ADAS Guidance Service to help drivers, assessors, licensing authorities, and the broader community better understand and safely use Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
At the heart of the service is the ADAS Assist website and app – a central, easy-to-access hub offering clear, practical information about common ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
“A well-informed driver is a safer driver,” said Austroads Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Allan. “The ADAS Guidance Service empowers drivers with clear, consistent information to get the most out of the safety features already in their vehicles.”
The ADAS Assist platform provides:
- fact sheets, FAQs, and explainer videos
- simple, consistent explanations of ADAS functions
- resources designed to build confidence in using vehicle technology.
The full suite of tools is now live at adasassist.com.au and available for download via the ADAS Assist app.
Using Telematics Data to Improve Local Road Management
Austroads’ Telematics Analytics Platform (TAP) provides secure, online access to detailed data on the heaviest vehicles operating on Australian roads. It offers local road managers accurate, up-to-date insights into vehicle movements, road usage, and infrastructure performance.
By integrating this data into asset management and transport planning, councils can make more informed decisions, optimise strategies, and improve outcomes across road safety, infrastructure management, land use, transport efficiency, and sustainability.
A recent Austroads webinar, now available on demand at no charge, demonstrates how local governments can access TAP, the types of data available, and the practical benefits of applying telematics to local planning.
New Framework Strengthens Capability in Road Network Operations
The recently released Road Manager Operations Capability Framework is designed to support agencies to develop the skills and leadership needed to manage increasingly complex and dynamic road and transport networks.
Developed in collaboration with Austroads member agencies, the framework defines both core and operational capabilities for leaders responsible for real-time network operations – such as those working in transport management centres, incident and event management, and intelligent transport systems. It is designed to help jurisdictions map current capability against future requirements, guide recruitment and performance expectations, and shape targeted workforce development over the next 5-10 years.
Some member agencies have already reported adopting the framework within their position descriptions, using it to clearly define expectations for knowledge, skills and behaviours in operational leadership roles.
The framework is accompanied by a detailed capability matrix outlining four proficiency levels – Fundamental, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert – for each capability, providing a consistent, objective tool for assessment and planning.
Improving Road Data Sharing Across Borders
Austroads has released new guidance to help road agencies in Australia and New Zealand improve how they share and manage transport data – paving the way for safer and more efficient journeys.
The research report, Approach to Standardised Road Agency Data Provision for Safe and Efficient Journeys Using Harmonised Access Points, proposes a conceptual model for harmonised access points (HAPs) that would make it easier to exchange consistent, real-time traffic and safety data across jurisdictions.
Drawing on proven practices from the European Union, the model supports national objectives including the 2024-27 National Connected and Automated Vehicle Action Plan, and has the potential to benefit vehicle operators, service providers, and connected and automated vehicles.
“Better data sharing practices mean we will be better equipped to support connected vehicles and other data users,” said Joanne Vanselow, Austroads Program Manager for Vehicles and Technology.
The report also outlines a pilot involving multiple Austroads member agencies trialling their own HAPs to deliver streamlined data – from speed limits and road features to local hazards – to end users.
Join us for a webinar on 16 October 2025 with David Yee and Simon Kowaltzke.
Best practice approaches to LED lighting in existing tunnels
This webinar provided an overview of the Austroads Report, LED Lighting in Road Tunnels – Best Practice Approaches which summarises the process undertaken to explore tunnel lighting upgrades to LED, and provides best practice guidance for tunnel owners and operators considering the transition to more efficient lighting systems.
Many existing tunnels currently use fluorescent or High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lighting, and there is a growing opportunity to replace or retrofit these with more efficient light emitting diode (LED) equivalents. While LED luminaires generally boasts higher efficacy than fluorescent and HPS equivalents, lighting upgrade projects can present major technical and cost challenges.
Drawing on stakeholder consultations and a literature review, this webinar discussed current practices, common challenges, and practical considerations for planning and delivering lighting upgrades. Presenters used local case studies and project experiences to provide recommendations to support informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle for future projects and also answered attendee questions at the end of the seminar.
Austroads reviews technical specifications and test methods to support sustainable transport infrastructure
Austroads has completed a review of its technical specifications and test methods to help accelerate the delivery of sustainable road and bridge infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand.
The review identifies areas where technical requirements can better support environmental outcomes without compromising the safety or performance of transport infrastructure.
Austroads' Technical Specifications and Test Methods are critical tools used by transport agencies to ensure the safety, durability and performance of road networks. While they have traditionally focused on technical quality, this review highlights their potential to also drive sustainability outcomes – such as reducing carbon emissions, increasing the use of recycled materials, and improving climate resilience.
Joanne Vanselow, Austroads’ Program Manager – Vehicles and Technology and Environment and Sustainability, said: “Technical specifications are a powerful tool for change. By modernising our specifications and test methods, we can help the transport sector transition to lower-carbon, longer-lasting infrastructure.”
Learn more about Austroads recommendations to update Movement and Place content in upcoming revision of its Guide to Traffic Management
Join us for an insightful webinar discussing the release of a new report to help transport agencies and local governments apply Movement and Place principles when planning for and operating road networks.
Austroads' Review of Movement and Place Guidance promotes greater consistency in terminology and application and draws on examples of best practice across Australia and New Zealand. It outlines recommendations to strengthen Movement and Place guidance within the Guide to Traffic Management.
Austroads Transport Network Operations Program Manager, Amy Naulls, said the recommendations respond to a clear need for improved guidance.
“Road managers across Australia and New Zealand are using Movement and Place as a framework to help optimise their networks for all users. This report supports that work by providing more consistent, practical advice.”
Join us for a webinar on 21 August 2025 with Mary Haverland.
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.
Austroads' Review of Movement and Place Guidance | Register
Thursday 21 August 2025, 1 pm AEST
This webinar introduces the findings of the Austroads research project NEG6384 Movement and Place Guidance, which provides the foundation for updated and more unified Movement and Place content across the Austroads Guide to Traffic Management and related resources.
Sustainability Review of Austroads Technical Specifications and Test Methods | Register
Tuesday 2 September 2025, 1 pm AEST
This webinar will present the findings of the Austroads research report. Drawing from lessons learned from preparing the report, presenters will explore the research that examined Austroads Technical Specifications to identify specific opportunities for improvement and how to addresses barriers that hinder progress.
Safer Journeys Through Shared Agency Data: A Vision for Harmonised Access Points in ANZ | Register
Thursday 16 October 2025, 1 pm AEDT
This webinar presents a concept for the standardised provision of road agency data to data consumers such as information service providers, navigation apps providers, and vehicle manufacturers, via jurisdiction-based, Harmonised Access Points.
Managing the Unexpected: A Framework for TMC Response to ITS Outages | Register
Tuesday 28 October 2025, 1 pm AEDT
This webinar presents findings from an Austroads project focused on strengthening the resilience of Transport Management Centres (TMCs) in the face of ITS disruptions, offering insights into key themes from agency consultation and operational research.
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:
- Technical Specifications Manager
- Training and Assessment Manager - National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework
- Senior Project Coordinator
- Communications Officer and Events Coordinator
View current vacancies here.
Tenders
Are you looking for an opportunity to work on an Austroads project? The following project is open for tender:
- VTD6619 Develop C-ITS implementation documentation for Australia and New Zealand. Closing 3 pm AEST, Tuesday 26 August 2025.
Low-Volume Roads Symposium: "Connecting the Dots"
The Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australia are hosting the Low Volume Roads Symposium in Alice Springs from 1 – 3 October this year. It will offer a space for people and groups who all share a common reliance on the low-volume road network o come together and establish connections.
Critical issues that will be discussed at the symposium include:
- road safety
- freight supply
- resource sustainability
- network resilience
- maintaining a skilled workforce.
The symposium will be beneficial to road managers and practitioners, people working in freight, supply and construction, emergency services, education, and survey and assessment specialists.
More information is available on the REAAA's website where you can also register for the event.
