Road Management
Providing reliable and efficient movement of people and goods
Program Expenditure
Government Goal
Results based service delivery
Aim
Optimise real-time traffic management of the network, provide traveller information, improve asset management planning and support service delivery.
About the Program
The program includes activities associated with the:
- management and operation of the road network
- Traffic Operations Centre, road safety support, Heavy Vehicle Services, Network Operations and Planning and Technical Services.
Key Performance Indicators
| Road Management KPI | Target | Actual | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| % Community satisfaction | 90 | 91 |  |
| % Road network permitted for use by heavy vehicles B Double -27.5m | 96 | 98 | |
| % Network configuration Bridges Strength | 89 | 90 | |
Looking Ahead
- Use telematics technology to enhance heavy vehicle access to the Kwinana Industrial Area.
- Roll out Road Safety Management System (ROSMA) operator training workshops.
- Identify and develop solutions to improve capacity of current assets through the Western Australian Road Research and Innovation Program.
- Facilitate demonstrations of autonomous technology for heavy vehicle platooning.
- Implement actions from the Restricted Access Vehicle Network Access Strategy.
Network Operations Achievements
Traffic Congestion Management Program
People are travelling further than ever before meaning more vehicles are on the road network at peak times. Like all prosperous cities, we face challenges that come with growth. The Traffic Congestion Management Program forms an integral part of a wider approach to addressing Perth’s traffic congestion challenge. We accept that there is no single solution to traffic congestion however, by focussing on multiple strategies and projects traffic flow improvements will be noticeable through more reliable travel times. These strategies include:
| Freeways | identifying and improving traffic flow at congestion hotspots through the use of technology and new line markings at on ramps and selected off ramps |
| Arterial road network | addressing known traffic congestion hotspots through road improvements and improvements in the sequencing of traffic signals |
| Operations | enhancing our operations to ensure incidents are detected earlier, cleared faster and traffic disruption minimised |
| Road network information | improving information provided to road users |
| Business continuity | ensuring our infrastructure and operations are available at all times |
| People | investing in our people to become world-class network operators |
This approach drives the Traffic Congestion Management Program which includes improving the existing road network through the use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and traditional infrastructure enhancements. It also aids in the State and Federal governments’ decision to invest in initiatives that work to keep traffic moving. We are delivering a number of key projects and regularly monitor the road network to manage congestion, resulting in traffic improvements across Perth roads. To see what’s happening in your area visit the project website for more up to date information on a huge range of projects occurring across the metropolitan road network. You can also refer to the Case Study in the Road Efficiency program.
Traffic Operations Centre
Our Traffic Operations Centre (TOC) monitors and manages the Perth metropolitan road network and is the central contact point for real time traffic information across the State. We use Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) devices such as Variable Message Signs (VMS) and Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) to ensure the road network is operating efficiently during peak travel times, special events and unplanned incidents.
Improvements we have made through the year include:
- providing a 3D Laser Scanner to WA Police Major Crash Section to use during traffic incidents to improve the collection of evidential data
- providing the Department of Fire & Emergency Services with CCTV vision improving situational awareness and enhancing decision making
- expanding of Intelligent Transport Systems with the addition of 16 new Variable Message Signs and 35 new CCTV cameras
- introducing Truck Mounted Attenuators to support Incident Response Service teams and improve safety
- trialling of visibility detection and associated flashing warning signs on the Kwinana Freeway
- improving the Roadspace Booking System to better manage events and roadworks.
Clearway Management Services
As part the ‘Congestion Management Plan’, we operate a towing service to help clear blockages from illegal clearway, no stopping areas and bus lanes in the Perth CBD. This service is part of the Active Traffic Management (ATM) program we manage in partnership with City of Perth to reduce congestion. This year we removed 5,045 vehicles. The successful tow away initiative has made more traffic lanes available in the CBD during peak periods, improving traffic flow and helping make the roads safer.
Heavy Vehicle Achievements
Vehicles over 19 metres long, 4.3 metres high, 2.5 metres wide or over 42.5 tonnes gross mass are classed as Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs). Heavy Vehicle Services regulates RAV access to the State’s road network via a system of notices and permits, and is developing and implementing measures to improve efficiency, road safety, community amenity and the preservation of road infrastructure. The following are some of the initiatives we have progressed over the past 12 months.
Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) Network Access Strategy
We have developed a Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) Network Access Strategy aimed at delivering a state-wide Strategic Road Freight Network (SRFN). As a result restricted access freight vehicles will be encouraged onto roads that are receiving adequate funding to sustain the increasing volume of heavy vehicle movements. The SRFN will be established in consultation with Local Governments and published via the RAV Mapping Tool on our website in early 2017. The RAV Network Access Strategy supports the development of the WA Performance Based Standards Scheme, promoting the introduction of safer, high productivity vehicles and supporting private investment into the road network to accommodate the larger heavy vehicle combinations.
Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licensing Scheme
We have developed a new regulatory framework for pilots in Western Australia, which incorporates appropriate new measures and ensures pilots are fit for duty to operate at an acceptable standard.
We will administer the new licensing arrangements with a mandate to improve standards and reduce the regulatory and administrative red tape that exists with the current system. Establishment of the arrangements is also designed to support and align with the development of the Oversize Overmass Unit by providing a full “one stop shop” service for pilots.
Following significant engagement with a number of state and national industry associations, the proposed commencement date of the new WA pilot vehicle driver’s licensing scheme is 1 October 2016.
Planning and Technical Achievements
Transport @ 3.5 Million
The Western Australia Planning Commission recently released the draft Perth and Peel @ 3.5 Million strategic land use plan which allows for a population of 3.5 million in Perth and Peel by 2050. In response to this land use, the Transport Portfolio has prepared Transport @ 3.5 Million, a fully integrated transport plan that addresses the transport needs of this future population. Transport @ 3.5 Million considers all transport modes and includes plans for public transport, roads, cycling, freight and travel demand management. We were tasked with preparing the Road Network Plan. This plan covers the higher order road network, including freeways, the road freight network, proposed new river crossings, access to and through the Perth CBD and the arterial network, and also provides for on-road public transport priority. For more information visit the Department of Transport website.
Whiteman Yanchep Highway
We are undertaking an Alignment Definition Study to identify and protect the road reservation for a future Whiteman Yanchep Highway. The highway is a proposed new north-south route in the North-West Corridor of Perth. It is initially planned to connect Tonkin Highway and Neaves Road but will eventually provide a strategic link to Mitchell Freeway in the Yanchep area.
This proposed highway will improve connectivity between planned urban development and employment centres and facilitate the movement of regional freight and commuter traffic. The road reservation may also facilitate future public transport development as it will include space for heavy rail within the median.
The study has been conducted internally using a cross-disciplinary team, and is nearing completion. Stakeholder consultation was a key component including 17 government agencies and community consultation in July 2016. Once the study is complete, we will be submitting a proposal to the Western Australian Planning Commission seeking an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme.
Interactive Visualisation Model to Assess Visual Impact
We delivered a fully interactive 3D point-cloud model on a section of Mitchell Freeway. The 3D modelling was used to assess the visual impact, environmental and safety implications of a proposed “Large Format Digital Signboard” on residential properties close to the Freeway. We have also used this technology to assess possible impacts of an existing sign on traffic and surrounding homes along the Kwinana Freeway.
Improved Asphalt Pavements
The increasing road freight task requires us to design and construct heavier duty road pavements capable of carrying the increased loading. Over the last 10 years in the Perth metropolitan area, road pavements have evolved from those constructed with limestone and crushed rock materials surfaced with thin layers of asphalt to thicker pavements made up of multiple layers of asphalt, referred to as full depth asphalt pavements.
We developed new asphalt specifications in February 2014 and worked closely with the design and construction teams on the Gateway WA project, the asphalt supplier and the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association to develop new asphalt mix designs which have been incorporated into a set of trial pavements on Tonkin Highway in late 2014. Testing and monitoring in late 2015 have shown the changes were very successful and have resulted in improved construction outcomes.
These trials and other upcoming pavement works such as on the Northlink WA -Tonkin Highway upgrades will continue to be monitored and will lead to further specification improvements to ensure full depth asphalt pavements achieve their forty year design life.
Case Study: Introduction of 60 metre Road Trains in the Pilbara
In October 2015 we commenced the trial of higher productivity 60 metre quad road trains in the Pilbara Region.
When approached with a request to operate safer and more innovative high productivity 60 metre quad road trains, we considered it a prime opportunity to work collaboratively with industry to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Results of the vehicle on-road performance matched or exceeded the expectations based on the initial Performance Based Standard (PBS) assessments offering productivity and efficiency benefits up to 25 per cent. Long term benefits will include significantly less road train movements on the public road network. In announcing the trial the Transport Minister said "Even though they are longer, these are state-of-the-art vehicles with improved safety and superior handling compared to the standard 53.5 metre road trains, the longest currently allowed on our roads."
The 60 metre quad road trains were required to undergo a Performance Based Assessment prior to participating in the trial and implementation period. As a safety measure, they were also fitted with an Electronic Braking System with a Stability Control Program and monitored via in-vehicle telemetry. Though capable of higher speeds, the road trains will be limited to 90 kilometre per hour, allowing easier overtaking by other vehicles and ensuring superior on-road performance.
The on road operation of the vehicles was further assessed by a Panel consisting of key stakeholders including representatives from our organisation, the Road Safety Commission, local government and the Caravan and Camping Association. The panel met monthly to discuss and review evaluation material relevant to the trial, such as Intelligent Access Program monitoring data, video footage, compliance reports, traffic counts, road user survey results, productivity gains, stakeholder feedback and specific vehicle tests (brakes tests) conducted by the participants.
The 60 metre road trains demonstrated safe performance and improved productivity. Approving 60 metre road trains on other suitable routes in Western Australia is being considered.