Wednesday, 16 July 2025
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.
The report proposes a series of actions to update and harmonise technical specifications, encourage the use of recycled materials, and support new technologies and approaches.
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.”
“This work is about supporting road agencies and industry to meet today’s sustainability challenges and prepare for the future. The recommendations give us a practical roadmap to make a real difference,” Joanne added.
Austroads will work with its member agencies to assess and implement these recommendations. The goal is to provide practical, consistent guidance that reflects both the latest sustainability advancements and the needs of local jurisdictions, helping to futureproof road and bridge infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand.
In May, Austroads published four world leading test methods, breaking new ground in the assessment of emissions, microplastic release and recycled materials in road construction.
Download AP-R734-25 Sustainability Review of Austroads Technical Specifications and Test Methods
Join the webinar
2 September 2025 at 1:00 PM AEST | Presented by Sam Warren and Joanne Vanselow.
Includes live Q&A. No charge but registration is essential. Can't make the live session? Register and we'll send you a link to the recording.