Austroads is developing a number of distinctive Guides, one of which will deal with Traffic Management. 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 Traffic Management and is updated as parts of the Guide are released. Parts 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 and 11 have been completed and are available for download from the Austroads publications website.

The Guide to Traffic Management covers the following areas:

Part 1: Introduction to Traffic Management

Introduction to the discipline of traffic management and an overview of the structure and content of the guide:

• practical context, definition, principles and objectives
• functional road hierarchy
• basic elements of traffic management
• use of the guide.

Part 2: Traffic Theory

Introduction to the characteristics of traffic flow and the theories, models and statistical distributions used to describe many traffic phenomena:

• basic descriptors of traffic flow and relationships
• stochastic nature of traffic behaviour
• vehicle interactions in traffic
• queuing theory
• gap acceptance theory.

Part 3: Traffic Studies and Analysis

Traffic performance of roads and intersections:

• traffic analysis for mid-block situations, including freeways/motorways
• analysis of signalised and unsignalised intersections, including roundabouts
• road capacity analysis.

Part 4: Network Management

Broad strategies and objectives of managing road networks to provide effective traffic management:

• network management objectives and operational objectives
• network performance measures
• network management plans
• needs of freight, public transport, pedestrians, cyclists and private vehicles
• microsimulation modelling of networks.

Part 5: Road Management

Traffic management issues that apply to a single length of an individual road:

• road space allocation
• access management
• lane management
• application of speed limits.

Part 6: Intersections, Interchanges and Crossings

Traffic management at locations where different traffic and road user streams intersect:

• types of intersection, selection and appropriate use
• signalised and unsignalised intersections
• roundabouts and interchanges
• rail crossings
• pedestrian and bicycle crossings of roads.

Part 7: Traffic Management in Activity Centres

Principles for the planning and traffic management of activity centres and associated transport modes:

• commercial and civic precincts
• freight transfer centres
• intermodal transport interchanges.

Part 8: Local Area Traffic Management

A systematic approach to traffic management in local areas, and guidance on the application and effectiveness of traffic control measures on an area-wide basis:

• principles, processes and planning
• issues, resources and community participation
• selection of schemes and treatments
• implementation of schemes and devices.

Part 9: Traffic Operations

Traffic operational matters relating to traffic management on road networks:

• traffic signal systems
• congestion management, incident management
• management of transport information
• operational management of road space
• systems integration and interoperability.

Part 10: Traffic Control and Communication Devices

Design and use of traffic control and communication devices:

• signing and marking schemes
• traffic signs, static and electronic
• pavement markings and delineation
• traffic signals and islands.

Part 11: Parking

Parking demand and supply, and a parking policy framework:

• implementation of on-street and off-street parking
• parking controls in urban centres
• parking on rural roads
• park-and-ride facilities
• electronic parking guidance systems and signage.

Part 12: Traffic Impacts of Developments

Processes for assessing the traffic and transport impacts of land use developments:

• policy and planning considerations
• development profiles and issues
• traffic impact assessment
• developments and access management.

Part 13: Road Environment Safety

Ensuring a safe road environment within a traffic management context:

• road user behaviour
• role of road design and traffic management in providing road and roadside safety
• reference to road design and road safety guidance.