Operations

Providing Reliable and Efficient Movement of People and Goods

Looking Ahead

Projects and activities planned for next financial year, include the following:

• continue to deliver our state-wide industry workshops and information sessions
• implement the Heavy Vehicle Compliance Automation Project
• continue to explore and implement the WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme Operational Review outcomes
• implement the Heavy Vehicle Monitoring System as part of the National Compliance Information System Program
• continue the development of the real-time operating platform
• implement speed limit changes at traffic signals to improve road safety outcomes
• enable and launch Traffic WA Broadcasting to better inform the travelling public of delays
• provide technical support and coordination for the delivery of Smart Freeway projects on Mitchell Freeway southbound
• development of a proof of concept for using machine learning technology to determine bridge health and to predict maximum bridge displacement and vibrations caused by heavy vehicles.

Some of these are already underway; visit our website to find out more.

Network Operations

Developing our future network operators

The Network Operations graduate program is both complex and challenging, developing skilled people for our current operations as well as the future of our network. The three year training program started in January this year with graduates rotating through and contributing to different technical areas and disciplines.

Network Operations work requires a diverse range of skills and our customers benefit from our graduates fresh perspectives and passion across a range of areas including operational performance assessment, Intelligent Transport System device management, signs and lines regulations and associated safety impacts, real-time incident and event responses, traffic signal controller programming, and data analytics.

Intelligent Transport Systems

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) use communication, data processing, and electronic technologies to increase transportation safety and sustainability, reduce congestion, and improve the performance of our transport networks.

As part of the deployment of Smart Freeways we have commissioned over 490 devices and manage over 10,000 ITS devices across the road network. We participate in working groups including Austroads, National Transport Commission, iMoveCRC and ITS Australia to be at the forefront of new technologies and future transport developments.

We have recently developed a pilot real-time operations platform that integrates existing data with new data sources throughout the state into a common operating picture. This improves situational awareness for real-time traffic operations and will be further developed to provide additional functionality and data integration. This will ensure proactive congestion management on the network to better collaborate and coordinate across the portfolio.

Guidelines for Pedestrian Crossing Facilities at Traffic Signals

We developed new Guideline for Pedestrian Crossing Facilities at Traffic Signals. The 39-page, illustrated guide is available online providing a standard reference on signalised pedestrian facilities and treatments to facilitate pedestrian movements and increase safety at traffic signals. In addition, the guide clearly describes the types and features of pedestrian crossings, and explains appropriate use including considerations for vulnerable road users. Compiled following significant stakeholder feedback, the guidelines will improve transparency and consistency of approach at pedestrian crossing facilities at traffic signals.

Incident Management

We have managed more than 9,000 incidents across the state road network over the last year. Managing incidents is a key function in providing a safe and efficient road network for our customers and this year we saw increased numbers of incidents across all categories, except for events involving public utilities and vehicle fires. The highest proportion of incidents was once again Breakdowns at 3,204 up from 2,482 since last year, closely followed by crashes which again increased from 2,379 to 2, 807 in 2020-21. Flooding increased significantly with more than 109 incidents managed across the state and similar increase in bushfires increasing from 93 to 136. Debris can cause congestion at any time of the day and this year the number of incidents rose from 2,029 to more than 2,500. To help keep traffic moving we seek to provide clearance solutions reinstating roads to a safe condition as quickly as possible.

Heavy Vehicle Services

We are the heavy vehicle regulator for Western Australia which makes us responsible for improving heavy vehicle safety, productivity, and the equity of services across the transport industry through compliance, innovation and road asset sustainability. We facilitate and regulate the movement of Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) across the state, provide a one-stop shop for permits and traffic escort services for oversize, over mass vehicle movements and work with industry groups and government agencies at a state and national level. We work with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to allow the seamless movement of RAVs between Western Australia and other states. As illustrated below there was a slight increase in the number of permits reaching a new high of 35,216.

Mobile Operations Centre

Our Heavy Vehicle Compliance Team now have a Mobile Operations Centre vehicle for assisting Transport Inspectors at roadblock operations across Western Australia. Carrying spare equipment for additional assistance during patrols, it also doubles as a mobile support centre for our inspectors. The unit gives the roadblock team better capability in remote areas with amenities and equipment allowing self-sustaining operations – working for longer periods in remote areas, which otherwise would have been difficult.

The air-conditioned vehicle has an interview room to allow inspectors’ roadside interviews and a communications booster ensuring access in isolated locations. The unit also deploys the Vehicle Inspection System (VIS), to test brakes, suspension and steering on a vehicle. The VIS identifies defects not detectable in a normal visual inspection. When it is not on the road, the Mobile Operations Centre is used at community events where the public can learn about the services we offer.

National Roadworthiness Survey

Our Compliance sections’ primary role is to ensure heavy vehicles comply with legislation, providing safety for road users and protecting the road network through
intelligence-driven enforcement activities, auditing and education. As part of a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) initiative, we participated in the National Roadworthiness Survey alongside other partner agencies across Australia. Conducted over 12 weeks, the survey involved the inspection of combinations of heavy vehicles, including rigid trucks, buses and special purpose vehicles.

The survey sought to carry out a mechanical safety and health check of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet. It will play an important role in assessing the changes to the condition of the heavy vehicle fleet since the inaugural baseline survey in 2016. It will also allow the NHVR to target safety programs at key areas.

The past five years have seen considerable improvements in vehicle technology, the role of safety systems and investment in developing safety practices. However, the importance of a daily safety check, as part of a driver’s pre-trip routine, remains constant and was reinforced during this period.

Facilitating improved OSOM Traffic Escort Warden Service capacity

Following the announcement of the expansion of mining activities in Western Australia, and after the success of our partnership with BHP in 2020, we have been negotiating Standby Traffic Escort Services Agreements with other mining companies.

Traffic Escort Wardens (TEW) are required to escort larger, higher risk, oversize vehicle movements. Companies, such as BHP approached HVS seeking guarantees that TEW would be available. Delays can have significant impacts on their projects.

In response to this, we developed the Standby Traffic Escort Services Agreement. We administer traffic escort services, scheduling and allocating TEW generally on a first-come, first-served basis. The agreement provides an assurance TEW will be available for the project duration, when required. It gives the ability to plan for demand, committing to timeframes with increased confidence.

In BHP’s case, four dedicated TEW were provided for the South Flank project, involving movement of more than 200 modules. The situation demonstrates our work with industry, improving our processes and achieving better outcomes for all.

Planning and Technical Services

Timber Bridge Inspection work on Garrett Road Bridge

We are responsible for the inspection of 1,200 ageing timber bridges, with some almost 100 years old and heritage listed. Our bridge inspection processes have evolved as the timber has aged.

The Garratt Road southbound bridge in Bayswater recently underwent its routine level-two detailed inspection. The drainage pipes were found to have discharged water directly onto the outermost timber beams and combined with prevailing weather led to longitudinal splitting allowing water in, and accelerating decay. Our new approach of observation and sounding identified this and a number of other defects including internal piping behind an outer shell of solid looking timber.

Data provided directly by the on-site team was used to develop load rating analysis models to assess the deterioration. Results indicated that we needed to implement actions ensuring the safety of our customers whilst further work was done. This has allowed us to consult and consider heritage concerns with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, in designing longer term treatments typically used to preserve and protect aging timber.

Perth Transport Model

A review of transport modelling in 2013 determined how best to meet the needs of different agencies into the future. This consultative process identified several issues and limitations in the current transport-modelling framework. Following the review, we started work on a new Perth Transport Model. The project will see the creation of a new integrated, tour-based – travel determined by movements from home, to a variety of destinations and then back home – modelling system that includes the following components:

• a tour-based person-modelling platform that better represents likely modes of transport to meet travel demand
• a tour-based commercial vehicle-modelling platform
• an analytical dynamic traffic assignment capability for the Perth metropolitan area.

Underpinning the development of the model is the delivery of two key transport data surveys, which were last undertaken in 2002–05. The Perth Area Travel Household Survey is in its third year of collection and will be completed in June 2023 whilst the Commercial Vehicle Survey will be completed in early 2022. The implementation of the model will lead to improved outcomes in policy and strategic decision-making, infrastructure investment planning and delivery, and network operations.