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Cover of Effectiveness and Implementation of Raised Safety Platforms
Effectiveness and Implementation of Raised Safety Platforms
  • Publication no: AP-R642-20
  • ISBN: 978-1-922382-37-5
  • Published: 18 November 2020

The purpose of this report is to provide clarity around the design and operation of raised safety platforms and deepen understanding of leading international practice across a range of applications and performance dimensions.

A review of literature and sample site investigations have found that a community of practice around raised safety platforms at arterial signalised intersections is emerging and that installations to date are reducing traffic speed and therefore should improve safety in line with overseas literature.

Minor design and construction inconsistencies should be addressed, and any reported issues should be investigated within the context of Safe System performance. A range of new and innovative raised safety platform applications in rural and urban contexts also look promising.

In the webinar recording below Fabian Marsh, Hamish Mackie and Rebekah Thorne outline the research approach and the key findings from the information review and sample investigations that have implications for future practice.

  • Summary
  • 1. Introduction to the Research
    • 1.1 Background
    • 1.2 Purpose
    • 1.3 Scope
    • 1.4 Methodology
  • 2. Introduction to the Literature Review
    • 2.1 Purpose and Scope
    • 2.2 Literature Review Methods
      • 2.2.1 Internet and Database Search
      • 2.2.2 Review Framework/Synthesis
  • 3. Literature Review Findings
    • 3.1 Purpose of RSPs
    • 3.2 RSP Applications
    • 3.3 Design Considerations for Applications at Higher Speed Signalised Urban Intersections
      • 3.3.1 Location Suitability
      • 3.3.2 Choosing Approach Platforms or Raising Whole Intersection
      • 3.3.3 Ramp/Platform Design
      • 3.3.4 Stop-line, Line Marking, Platform Conspicuity and Other Delineation
      • 3.3.5 Construction
      • 3.3.6 Visibility and Lighting
      • 3.3.7 Heavy Vehicles
      • 3.3.8 Walking and Cycling
      • 3.3.9 Drainage/Other Supporting Works
      • 3.3.10 Wider Network Considerations
      • 3.3.11 Public Engagement and Communication
      • 3.3.12 Sustainability
    • 3.4 Performance Considerations for Applications at Higher Speed Signalised Urban
      • 3.4.1 Vertical Acceleration
      • 3.4.2 Operating Speed Reduction
      • 3.4.3 Safety
      • 3.4.4 Road User Responses to RSPs
      • 3.4.5 Noise and Vibration
      • 3.4.6 Large Vehicle Stability
      • 3.4.7 Traffic Flow and Capacity
      • 3.4.8 Vehicle Acceleration
      • 3.4.9 Public Transport and Emergency Services Vehicles
      • 3.4.10 Community/Jurisdiction Acceptability
      • 3.4.11 Pedestrian and Cyclist Amenity
      • 3.4.12 Constructability (Including Drainage)
      • 3.4.13 Evaluation Considerations
    • 3.5 Other Raised Safety Platform Applications
      • 3.5.1 Midblock Applications
      • 3.5.2 Urban Priority-Controlled Raised Intersections
      • 3.5.3 Rural Priority-Controlled Intersections
      • 3.5.4 Urban Compact Roundabout
      • 3.5.5 Rural Compact Roundabout
      • 3.5.6 Urban Cycle-Friendly Roundabout
      • 3.5.7 Raised Priority Crossings for Cyclists
    • 3.6 Summary
  • 4. RSP Site Investigations - Method
    • 4.1 Purpose and Objectives
    • 4.2 Site Sample Selection
    • 4.3 Site Investigation Method
      • 4.3.1 Development of Investigation Framework Matrix
      • 4.3.2 Victoria Site Visits
  • 5. Site Investigation Findings
    • 5.1 RSPs at Arterial Signalised Intersections Above 50 km/h
      • 5.1.1 Thomastown (High Street)
      • 5.1.2 Thomastown (Dalton Road)
      • 5.1.3 Whittlesea
      • 5.1.4 Wonthaggi
      • 5.1.5 Belmont (Geelong)
      • 5.1.6 Summary of Acceleration Data
      • 5.1.7 Victoria RSP workshop
      • 5.1.8 Workshop and Meeting in Hamilton and Auckland
    • 5.2 Other RSP Applications
      • 5.2.1 Rural Compact Roundabout – Lance Creek, Victoria
      • 5.2.2 Urban Cycle-Friendly Roundabout – South Melbourne, Victoria
      • 5.2.3 50 km/h Signalised Intersection – Hamilton, New Zealand
      • 5.2.4 Urban signalised mid-block applications – Hamilton, New Zealand
      • 5.2.5 Raised Priority-Controlled Intersections with Raised Intersection and Roundabout
      • 5.2.6 Bus-Friendly Mid-block Zebra Crossing, Auckland
      • 5.2.7 Tables at Speed Thresholds
  • 6. Gap Analysis and Principles for Guidance Changes for Raised Safety Platforms at Arterial Signalised Intersections Above 50 km/h
  • 7. Discussion, Limitations and Further Research and Evaluation
    • 7.1 Discussion
    • 7.2 Limitations
    • 7.3 Further Research and Evaluation
  • 8. Conclusions and Considerations Forward
    • 8.1 Considerations Forward
  • References
  • Appendix A Recommended Edits to Austroads Guide to Traffic Management
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