Austroads is developing a number of distinctive Guides, one of which deals with Road Design. Each Austroads Guide has an associated review panel comprised of senior representatives from Austroads jurisdictions and key stakeholders. The purpose of the review panel is to oversee the development of the Guides. Review panel members advise on the scope, structure and broad content of the Guides and facilitate development and ongoing maintenance of the Guides.

This page provides information about the structure and current status of the Guide to Road Design and is updated as parts of the Guide are released. Parts 1, 2 and 7 have been completed and are available from the Austroads publications website.

The Guide to Road Design covers the following areas:

Part 1: Introduction to Road Design

Overview of road design:

• scope of the Guide to Road Design
• context of the road design process
• philosophy and principles of good design
• design considerations.

Part 2: Design Considerations

Describes the range of influences, information, data, criteria, and other considerations that may have to be considered in developing a road project:

• basis of the guidelines
• context in which they should be applied.

Part 3: Geometric Design

Detailed information necessary to enable designers to develop coordinated road alignments that allow safe operation of the design traffic at the required speed:

• horizontal and vertical road alignments
• curves, transitions, super-elevation and side friction
• gradients and vertical curves
• cross sectional elements - lanes, shoulders, batters, kerbs, medians
• tunnels and bridges.

Part 4: Intersections and Crossings - general

An introduction to the various types of crossings that can be encountered within the road reserve, in the urban and rural environments, including:

• rural and urban situations
• rail crossings
• sight distance
• pedestrian and cyclist crossings.

Part 4: Intersections and Crossings contains specific sub parts:

-Part 4A - Unsignalised and Signalised Intersections

Provides design practice and procedures at unsignalised intersections, and covers:

• sight distance
• intersection layout
• turning treatments
• pedestrian and cyclist treatments
• lighting and landscaping
• public transport considerations
• signage.

-Part 4B - Roundabouts

Covers design objectives and considerations associated with roundabout design, including:

• entry, circulating and exit lanes
• speeds and deflection
• gradient and drainage issues
• pedestrians and cyclists movements and treatments
• pavement markings and signage
• lighting and landscaping.

-Part 4C - Interchanges

Describes design procedures and principles, and deals with:

• structures
• design speeds
• sight distance, horizontal and vertical alignment
• lighting, landscaping and street furniture.

Part 5: Drainage Design

Designing road drainage systems:

• environmental factors
• treatment of stormwater runoff
• requirements of the local planning authorities.

Part 6: Roadside Design, Safety and Barriers

Roadside design covers the area from the outside edge of the shoulder or kerb and the road reservation boundary:

• accommodation of median strips
• road furniture
• utilities
• roadway lighting
• pedestrian facilities
• bicycle facilities, landscaping
• noise attenuation structures
• architectural features
• rest areas
• roadside hazards and clear zones
• rest areas, emergency phones and service centres
• runaway vehicle facilities
• procedures and design of safety barriers
• barrier performance standards
• selection and design of longitudinal barriers
• bridge approaches.

Part 6: Roadside Design, Safety and Barriers contains specific sub parts:

-Part 6A - Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths

• covers situations at both signalised, unsignalised intersections and mid-block locations
• joint use paths
• roadside paths - off road and on-road
• access to and from these paths
• path signage.

-Part 6B - Roadside Environment

This part deals with the array of different roadside furniture that can be found within the road reserve, and covers:

• different types of roadside furniture
• industry Codes of Practice - especially with utility poles
• off-street parking design principles
• principles, purpose and need of roadway lighting, lighting warrants
• design & installation of lighting equipment
• maintenance and lighting components
• fauna habitat and crossings
• retarding basins and landscaping
• roadside amenity including barriers and walls.

Part 7: Geotechnical Investigation and Design

Use of geotechnical information in road design:

• geotechnical investigations
• earthworks design
• construction materials
• environmental issues.

Part 8: Process and Documentation

Efficient and comprehensive production of designs:

• documenting decision making process
• quality management
• requirements for quality of documentation and presentation.