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Cover of Raised Signalised Intersections: Literature Review and Summary of Current Practices
Raised Signalised Intersections: Literature Review and Summary of Current Practices
  • Publication no: AP-T392-26
  • ISBN: 978-1-923617-45-2
  • Published: 20 April 2026

This report provides an overview of research and current practice for applying raised signalised intersections to improve safety of higher speed roads (over 50 km/h).

Building on the Austroads research on raised road safety platforms (2020a), this report offers new insights into best practice for improving the safety and efficiency of raised signalised intersections.

This report documents current knowledge and practice relating to the design, implementation and maintenance of raised signalised intersections. The report also highlights unresolved gaps and scope for future research into how raised signalised intersections can deliver substantial safety benefits without compromising network performance.

This research will support the facilitation of a greater uptake of raised signalised intersections on higher speed roads. It will inform future updates to Austroads Guides, supporting improved and more consistent design that enhances safety outcomes for all road users.

  • Executive Summary
  • 1. Introduction
    • 1.1 Background
    • 1.2 Safe System context
    • 1.3 Purpose
    • 1.4 Scope
  • 2. Methodology
  • 3. Literature and Best Practice Findings
    • 3.1 Road safety
      • 3.1.1 Safety impacts and benefits of different design options
      • 3.1.2 Operating speeds and speed assumptions
      • 3.1.3 Vehicle stability
    • 3.2 Implementation and design considerations
      • 3.2.1 Existing site selection criteria and guidance on alternative options
      • 3.2.2 Comparative merits of design options
      • 3.2.3 Comfort level of vehicle occupants
      • 3.2.4 Ramp profiles
      • 3.2.5 Integration of pedestrian and cyclist facilities
      • 3.2.6 Slip lane considerations
      • 3.2.7 Signage and delineation
      • 3.2.8 Impacts on existing services and drainage
      • 3.2.9 Design options for low floor vehicles
      • 3.2.10 Minimising impacts on emergency vehicles, freight, and buses
      • 3.2.11 When to conduct a vehicle stability assessment
      • 3.2.12 Approaches to pavement design
      • 3.2.13 Construction methodologies
      • 3.2.14 Community understanding and perceptions
    • 3.3 Operational considerations
      • 3.3.1 Signal phasing implications and congestion impacts
      • 3.3.2 Environmental and economic impacts
      • 3.3.3 Maintenance
      • 3.3.4 Noise and vibration
  • 4. Stakeholder Engagement
    • 4.1 Scope and objectives
    • 4.2 Methodology
      • 4.2.1 Workshops
      • 4.2.2 Interviews
    • 4.3 Stakeholder Engagement Findings
      • 4.3.1 Road safety
      • 4.3.2 Implementation and design considerations
      • 4.3.3 Operational considerations
      • 4.3.4 General considerations
  • 5. Summary of Knowledge
    • 5.1 Gap analysis
    • 5.2 Outstanding gaps
  • 6. Conclusion
  • References
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