Transport for New South Wales (TFNSW) has partnered with Deakin University and iMOVE to conduct cutting-edge research aimed at improving roadwork safety across the New South Wales road network.
Led by Director of Deakin University’s Safe Future Mobility Research Lab, Associate Professor Ashim Debnath, the research will investigate new ways to make Australian roadwork sites safer and more efficient.
Two research projects have commenced through the partnership, which aim to:
- Reduce the frequency and/or occurrence and severity of injuries to people involved in end of queue crashes at roadwork sites
- Increase overall safety for staff and public within these worksites, through rigorous field trials
- Identify and test a range of traffic control measures to reduce the risks associated with the end of queue crashes
- Identify opportunities for innovative use of existing technologies and ways of working in the areas of structural and roadside inspections and temporary traffic control devices
- Uncover different ways of conducting temporary roadworks and maintenance on the M1 between Sydney and Newcastle
“The vast road network of Australia requires regular maintenance and upgrade activities, which make roadworks a common part of our everyday travel,” Mr Debnath said.
“We’re going through an infrastructure boom as the Federal and State Governments invest hundreds of billions of dollars in transport infrastructure projects. During this decade, this is likely to increase roadwork and maintenance activities even more.
“As such, there is a strong need for researchers and the transport industry to come together to make roadwork sites safe for both roadworkers and drivers, as well as to increase efficiency to make travel smoother and quicker.”
The outcomes of these projects will include a set of recommendations on technologies and practices for future trials.
Mr Debnath said Deakin’s Safe Future Mobility Lab was proud to partner with TFNSW and iMOVE to work towards not only making roads better, but safer too.
“At the Lab, we are passionate about making Australian roads safer for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, through investigating safety issues for the current and future transport systems,” Mr Debnath said.
“We’re excited to work with TfNSW and iMOVE, who have already done so much to make our roads safer, to reduce risk around roadwork and protect both our roadworkers and drivers.”