Information sharing and collaboration are at the core of road infrastructure project delivery optimisation

Wednesday, 30 November 2022

Austroads has published the findings of a research project that investigated the impacts of third-party assets on the successful delivery of road infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand.

“The problems arising from utility assets on major road and rail projects are complex, consistent and universal. We have analysed the current situation and issues in detail and through the workshops with transport agencies developed guidance on challenges and potential solutions,” said Ross Guppy, Austroads Transport Infrastructure Program Manager.

Through international literature review, jurisdictional consultation and four case studies, the project identified data collection requirements so that an effective, evidence-based strategy and action plan can be formed.

“Each utility asset type is highly specialist in nature requiring expertise across the many entities and individuals involved in a project. Information provided by jurisdictions indicate that where transport agencies establish specialist utilities teams and gather utility related technical expertise, better outcomes are achieved,” said Ross.

The project included the identification of barriers and highlighted areas where a change is required to improve the efficient delivery of major infrastructure projects across Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions.

One key element proposed is a national minimum dataset of information to monitor third-party impacts on road infrastructure projects.

“The collection and reporting of high-quality data is essential but depends on stakeholders sharing cost information so that value-based decisions can be made across the whole project. Measurement of costs associated with utilities on projects will permit analysis of past events improving understanding and enabling future predictions.”

Download the report: Review of Impact of Service Authorities on Infrastructure Projects