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Cover of Performance Based Standards Level 1 Length Limit Review
Performance Based Standards Level 1 Length Limit Review
  • Publication no: AP-R411-12
  • ISBN: 978-1-921991-43-1
  • Published: 12 September 2012

This report outlines the application of a methodology developed for assessing the impact of a potential length increase for PBS Level 1 vehicles, based on the assessment criteria identified and discussed in workshops conducted in 2011. Fifty-five sample sites were chosen from across Australia, and a risk score showing the impact of a length limit increase was determined. A benefit-cost analysis of three sites was also conducted.

The report recommends that an increase in the maximum vehicle length for PBS Level 1 vehicles to 23 m be considered. All sites would need to be assessed to determine the impact on network access, and ultimately road owners and managers will need to determine the acceptable level of risk in allowing longer vehicles on the network.

  • 1. INTRODUCTION
    • 1.1. Background
    • 1.2. Assumptions
  • 2. METHODOLOGY
    • 2.1. Vehicle Lengths Examined
    • 2.2. Network Assessment
      • 2.2.1. Assessment Criteria and Relative Risk Levels
      • 2.2.2. Application of Methodology
      • 2.2.3. Risk Score Banding
      • 2.2.4. Likelihood of Risks
  • 3. SITE SELECTION
  • 4. ASSESSMENT RESULTS
    • 4.1. Effect of AADT
  • 5. BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS
    • 5.1. BCA Methodology
    • 5.2. Site 1: Port Road/West Lakes Boulevard/Cheltenham Parade
      • 5.2.1. Option 1: Free-flow Traffic
      • 5.2.2. Option 2: Heavy Vehicle Stops at Traffic Lights
    • 5.3. Site 2: Goolwa-Strathalbyn Road
      • 5.3.1. Option 1: Free-flow Traffic
      • 5.3.2. Option 2: Heavy Vehicle Stops/Accelerates at Railway Crossing
    • 5.4. Site 3: Junction Road
      • 5.4.1. Option 1: Free-flow Traffic
      • 5.4.2. Option 2: Heavy Vehicle Stops/Accelerates at Railway Crossing
    • 5.5. Summary of Benefit-cost Ratios
  • 6. DISCUSSION
    • 6.1. Level of Acceptability
    • 6.2. Caveats and Considerations
      • 6.2.1. Longer Vehicles Currently Running under Permit
      • 6.2.2. Degree of Representation of the Network for the Examined Sites
      • 6.2.3. Risk Mitigation and Treatments
      • 6.2.4. Practical and Operational Considerations
  • 7. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
  • REFERENCES
  • APPENDIX A RELATIVE RISK FACTORS
  • APPENDIX B INTERSECTION DRAWINGS
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