Thursday, 23 March 2023
Austroads has published a research report to help road managers understand and prepare for future trends in the management and operation of smart motorways.
‘Smart motorways’ use applications and technology-based systems to more efficiently manage traffic, and improve the capacity and safety of roads. Austroads maintains guidance for transport agencies wanting to implement or manage smart motorways, including Best Practice in Smart Motorways Operations and Guide to Smart Motorways.
The report is a valuable addition to the Best Practice in Smart Motorways Operations project, providing additional information to support smart motorways planning, operation and integration.
It includes an analysis of major operational and technology trends and an assessment of their projected impact on motorway operations throughout the next decade.
“Future trends can affect many different aspects of motorway operations, and this is particularly the case for smart motorways, especially considering the range of technologies and applications used in their operation,” notes Amy Naulls, Austroads Transport Network Operations Program Manager.
“The report considers the impacts of increasing expectations for enhanced traveller experience, urbanisation, inter-agency integration, growth of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity risks, proliferation of real time data and vehicle technology advances.”
“Each will have varying impacts on different aspects of motorway operations, with technology trends identified as a main force of change for some areas. For example, operations planning will continue to rely on good processes and people, whereas emerging technologies should help reduce the number of incidents overall,” Amy said.
The report also proposes a Smart Motorways Classification Model. The model classifies existing and future motorway types to enable Austroads member agencies to apply a Motorway Management Capability Framework and an Integration and Operation Capability Framework, as part of best practice.
“Integrating smart motorway technology helps our members make better use of existing infrastructure, and the findings of this research provides the data needed to continue to future-proof our road assets.”
Download the report Best Practice in Smart Motorways Operations: Motorway Future Trends