New framework connects road design, traffic management and road safety

Monday, 31 August 2026

Road design, traffic management and road safety practitioners contribute to the same transport system, but they do not always work from a shared understanding of the problem or remain involved throughout the life of a project. New Austroads guidance provides a framework for bringing these disciplines together, from strategic network planning and project scoping through design and implementation to operational review and future reconfiguration. It shows how the Austroads Guide to Road Design, Guide to Traffic Management and Guide to Road Safety can be used together at each stage.

Austroads Road Safety and Design Program Manager Michael Nieuwesteeg said stronger connections between these areas could support a more complete understanding of transport projects.

“Safety should not be considered after the important planning and design decisions have already been made. Road safety, road design and traffic management expertise all need to help shape the objectives, options and decisions that determine how a transport facility will perform.”

A central principle is that the context and objectives established while defining the project scope should remain consistent throughout the facility’s life. This creates a common reference point as options are developed, designs refined and operational changes considered.

The framework also encourages a multi-disciplinary team to remain engaged throughout the process, drawing on all three Guides rather than transferring responsibility from one discipline to the next.

“The most effective solutions are rarely the result of a single discipline working alone. Better decisions are made when practitioners understand the perspectives, concepts and constraints of neighbouring disciplines.”

The framework is supported by key concepts drawn from across the Guides, including Movement and Place, Level of Service, the Safe System approach and Safe System End States, safe mobility, context-sensitive design, design domains and the role of speed.

“These concepts influence how transport infrastructure serves different users and operates within its surrounding network and community,” said Michael.

The guidance is also relevant to professionals involved in transport planning, strategic decision-making, policy, program development and high-level investment or budgeting.

The guidance highlights several key actions for practitioners:

• Road safety practitioners: become involved early enough to influence objectives, options and concept development.
• Road design practitioners: draw on road safety and operational expertise throughout design development.
• Traffic management practitioners: consider safe mobility alongside network operation and performance.
• Project sponsors and decision-makers: establish clear objectives early and maintain them consistently through planning, delivery and operation.

The work will inform updates to the Guide to Road Design, Guide to Traffic Management and Guide to Road Safety.

Download Coordinated Use of Austroads Guides to Support Safe and Efficient Road Networks