Resources

Purpose

This note is to advise that a Design Framework has been introduced for use on all current and future corridors and sites that form part of Road to Zero Speed and Infrastructure Programme (SIP). The Design Framework outlines the design principles, standards and guidance to support the design of several Standard Safety Interventions (SSI). The new Framework shall be used from the date of this notice for all work approved under the SIP.

General Information 

Road to Zero sets us on a path towards Vision Zero, underpinned by the Safe System approach. To ensure that the speed and infrastructure outcomes sought by the Government Policy Statement on Transport, Road to Zero Strategy and Action Plan are met, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has led the development and approval of a single Road to Zero Speed and Infrastructure Programme Business Case for Local Roads and State Highways. This enables locally developed, agreed, and prioritised activities to be implemented.

Use of the Framework

The current version of the Design Framework has been developed primarily for use on the State Highway network. The Framework will be reviewed and developed further through engagement with other Road Controlling Authorities to confirm applicability for non-State Highway projects across all New Zealand roads.

The Design Framework has been developed to ensure that Safe System principles are at the forefront of all projects to ensure that every effort is taken to achieve the greatest Safe System alignment possible as part of the development and implementation of speed and infrastructure interventions on the transport network. This is to ensure that each project is contributing sufficiently to the outcomes sought by the speed and infrastructure programme. The ability to maximise the safety return from our designs is critical: it is critical to the speed and infrastructure programme that we ensure the right safe system solution is implemented. 

The Design Framework should be read in conjunction with the SSI Toolkit. 

The Design Framework is available here:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/road-to-zero-speed-and-infrastructure-programme-design-framework

Updated policy

The Road to Zero Speed and Infrastructure Design Framework provides Waka Kotahi’s updated policy on:

• Project Development – Guidance on project scoping, whole of life design responsibilities and approach to technical design departures
• Design Principles – Six design principles which are key to achieving the strategic outcomes on the Speed and Infrastructure Programme
• Programme Design Guidance - The Guidance in the Design Framework takes precedence for projects on the Speed and Infrastructure Programme. This does not preclude the use of other existing Waka Kotahi and Austroads Design Guidance, when applicable.
• Safe System Assessments and Road Safety Audits - Overview of safety audit and safety system assessment requirements through-out the project lifecycle.
• Maintenance and Operations – General guidance on maintenance and operations, and over-dimensional vehicle considerations when designing projects on the speed and infrastructure programme.

Communication plan

The specific target audience for this notice are Waka Kotahi, Local Authorities, and those external consultants and contractors who are involved in the development and implementation of speed and infrastructure interventions on the transport network.

It is recognised that there is also a potential wider sector audience who may be interested, so look for further notices as advice of these changes will be communicated by:

• this note advising the update to our policy
• direct access via the website and intranet
• Training workshop and presentation, for which if you are interested you can register here at rtzsip@nzta.govt.nz
• existing speed and infrastructure programme communication channels (including the regional delivery teams).

Implementation

While the design framework is to be used in the context of other Waka Kotahi design guidance, the design standards and guidance contained within the design framework supersede other Waka Kotahi design standards and guidance for the speed and infrastructure programme. However, for other programmes, the document provides additional detail around the application of Road to Zero principles to supplement the safety aspects of those projects.

The current version of the Design Framework has been developed primarily for use on the State Highway network. The Framework will be reviewed and developed further through engagement with other Road Controlling Authorities to confirm applicability for all New Zealand roads.

Effectiveness review

Waka Kotahi Standards and Guidelines are subject to review to consider whether the implementation and use has been effective. To ensure the Design Framework is being used effectively, we will review how well the Framework has slotted in to the SIP process, how much of the time it is being accessed and how easy is it to use. Feedback from internal stakeholders, various document users, Road Controlling Authorities and Design Consultants will be tested in order to consider whether the Framework is effective and value for money.  This will be done at the end of 2022

Publication details

Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Published: December 2021
Reference: Version: 1
Location: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/road-to-zero-speed-and-infrastructure-programme-design-framework

Further information

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the Road to Zero Speed and Infrastructure Programme Management Office at rtzsip@nzta.govt.nz

Signed:

Greg Haldane
Chair, Ratification Group

Vanessa Browne
Delegated Approver