Articles

A wide range of heavy vehicles are required to transport materials and infrastructure to renewable energy project sites. So how do we ensure that these vehicles comply with road regulations and provide project owners and road authorities the confidence that the materials and infrastructure can arrive safely to the project site?

The car parking requirements of different land uses are typically outlined by Councils through their local planning controls. When there is no car parking rate specified for a land use or if a car parking reduction is sought, it is the role of a traffic engineer to forecast the likely car parking demands of the development.

Amber staff benefit from experience across project scoping, Environmental Impact Statement and post-approval management phases of State Significant Developments of renewable energy project across NSW. Through this experience we have insights into the best ways to manage (and hopefully avoid) risks to construction activities on-site.

I was recently working remotely in Bali, a privilege I’m grateful for while working at Amber, when I became acutely aware of road traffic inefficiencies present on the popular tropical island. This one particular example highlights this finding.

Amber staff are established leaders in preparing traffic assessments for wind farm, solar farm and battery storage (BESS) projects across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. The assessment process is somewhat unique as these projects generate the highest traffic impacts during the construction phase, as opposed to other types of development which are typically assessed for the operational phase.

In Victoria, local planning schemes govern the development and land use policies, including provisions related to parking requirements under Clause 52.06. This clause outlines the specific standards and considerations for parking spaces associated with various land uses, including child care facilities.

Ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient movement of vehicles on curved ramp sections is not as easy as straight ramp sections. Curved ramps offer the extra complexity of longitudinal grades varying along any given cross-section, depending on the length and height between connecting sections.

Efficient waste management relies on more than just collection and disposal — it hinges on sound transportation planning. Whether it’s private or Council waste collection required for a project, traffic engineering principles will play a role in achieving a satisfactory outcome.

In the realm of traffic engineering, pedestrian safety stands as a critical focus area, especially in metropolitan areas. Recent initiatives underscore the commitment of professionals in the broader sector to enhance safety for pedestrians through targeted measures, technological advancements, and infrastructure enhancements.

In a constrained urban environment with growing construction needs and associated temporary traffic management, ensuring the safety of cyclists is paramount. Cyclists face heightened risks during events or construction that alter road conditions. Prioritising their safety requires specific considerations and proactive measures.