Skip navigation
View Cart

Network Operations Planning Library

Approval and funding processes

There are no specific approval or funding processes but at the outset practitioners should consider which processes are likely. These identified processes should inform the development and selection of the most viable interventions.

While most guidance material does not comment on approval and funding processes, two documents reference economic appraisals as part of the assessment of options:

Each jurisdiction has its own approval and funding processes. Incorporating them as part of the development and selection of the most viable interventions is considered beneficial.

Source material

Source

Approval and funding processes

Network Operations Planning Framework (2009)

Phase 5 - Network Operations Plans in Figure 2 p18 includes an evaluation step, which is written-up p23-26, including Figure 4 on p25 which includes a process re: strategic alignment and economic evaluation

The Application of Network Operations Planning Framework to Assist with Congestion Management and Integrated Land Use and Transport (2013)

Section 3.5 - Phase 5 - Development of Network Operation Plans p9 provided the following recommended changes to this phase of the NOP framework:

  • provide more guidance on what a network operation plan should comprise
  • rename this phase to ‘Assessment of Options’
  • emphasise the need to assess the network impacts of all modes
  • focus   the appraisal framework on how well an option aligns with the network operating objectives.

Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020)

Section 5.6.3 - Assessing Treatment Options p67 sets out the following two stage process:

"First is a ‘network fit assessment’, and the second is a benefit-cost analysis."

Road Transport Management Framework and Principles (2017)

Section 1.1.1 - Transport System Management Framework and Principles p1-2 and Figure 1.1 p2 proves an overarching framework for various transport system management activities, including NOPs.

Source

Approval and funding processes

ATAP National Guidelines for Transport System Management in Australia - Part 2: Strategic Transport Planning and Development (2006)

Section 3.5.1 - Nature of assessments and studies p42-43 states:

"A corridor or area study usually considers a single transport corridor or area and provides information to:

  • suggest infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions for further investigation to develop into proposals for initiatives
  • assist in formulating corridor or area objectives by testing the costs, benefits and effects of implementing different strategies, within various budget constraints
  • explore cross-modal and upstream-downstream relationships between initiatives, including identifying situations where initiatives should be bundled together (e.g. a program of lengthening passing loops), and
  • provide data to assist analysts to estimate the costs and benefits of specific initiatives and assist governments to check   appraisals."

Further general guidance is provided in Phase 5 p53-60.

Facilitating Network Operations Planning: A Case Study of the VicRoads SmartRoads Framework (2018)

See Chapter2 Model Corridors p27

To realize an integrated deployment of the TSMO strategies, Corridor 2 transportation agencies adjust their institutional capabilities under each of the following categories: Business process (...)

Highways England Approach to Route Strategies

Scope of route strategies section p3 states:

"In December 2014, our Strategic Business Plan was published, describing how we aim to provide modernised and reliable roads that reduce delay, creates jobs and helps businesses compete while opening up new areas for development. Safety, free flow of traffic, the environment, and RIS1 Strategic Vision as reiterated in RIS Post 2020: Planning ahead integration and accessibility will remain a key focus while preparing our proposals."

Source

Approval and funding processes

Albany Highway - Route Operation Plan

While there are no specific recommendations requiring approval and funding the ROPs do help other programs, projects, and planning decisions:

  • Help monitor impact of implemented projects and programs
  • Help prioritise works, i.e. based on relative performance and/or need for specific   initiative

Auckland - Traffic Network Management

As NOPs have been considered a modal agnostic tool, it has appealed to a wider audience. This has meant increased decision alignment, including with trade-offs with the movement network (place trade-offs have been less agreed too).

Hamilton City - Network Operating Plan

  • Three levels of governance – all working together under a “one network charter”.
  • Includes Hamilton City Council, Waikato Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport   Agency.
  • Approval and funding of NOP recommendations was through this “one network charter”.

Launceston Network Operation - Preliminary Framework

Support transport investments and investment decisions. May inform future large-scale infrastructure investments e.g. considering the need for a New Tamar River Crossing and /or upgrade of Charles St Bridge.

Warrigal Road Movement and Place – Intersection Operating Principles

  • NOPs are required as part of Business Cases to help ensure strategic and network alignment / fit.
  • The weightings within the strategic performance gap analysis, referred to as the Strategic Focus Score (SFS), gives some consideration to the financial benefits each mode provides (same weighting from NFA tool are currently being used In the SFS tool).

« Development steps | « Network management, operation and improvement | « Position within network development and management | Use and implementation »

Contents