Strategic fit for new and improved infrastructure for state highways

Introduction

For the latest information, please see the Assessment Framework for the 2015-18 NLTP.

This section sets out the guidance on assessing strategic fit for activities within the new and improved infrastructure for state highways activity class.

The new and improved infrastructure activity class includes:

• Work category 321 – New traffic management facilities
• Work category 322 – Replacement of bridges and structures
• Work category 323 – New roads
• Work category 324 – Road improvements
• Work category 325 – Seal extension
• Work category 331 – Property purchase – state highways
• Work category 333 – Advance property purchase
• Work category 341 – Minor improvements

Default strategic fit

By default, the strategic fit rating for new and improved infrastructure for state highways is low.

Requirements for medium rating

A medium strategic fit rating may be given if the project meets one or more of the following:

• Potential for regionally significant improvements to regional strategic state highways identified by the State Highway Classification System in one or more of:
  • Journey time reliability
  • Easing of congestion in main urban areas
  • Relieving capacity constraints
  • More efficient freight supply chains
• Provides a secure and resilient transport network to ensure national and regional connectivity for economic growth and productivity 
• Potential for a significant reduction in the actual crash risk or predicted crash risk involving deaths and serious injuries in accordance with the Safer Journeys strategy

Requirements for high rating

A road improvement project must only be given a high strategic fit rating if it meets one or more of the following:

• Roads of National Significance
• Potential for a nationally significant contribution to economic growth and productivity for national strategic state highways identified by the State Highway Classification System through significant improvements in one or more of:
  • Journey time reliability
  • Easing of severe congestion in major urban areas
  • Relieving capacity constraints
  • More efficient freight supply chains
  • A secure and resilient transport network
• Potential to significantly reduce the actual crash risk involving deaths & serious injuries in accordance with Safer Journeys strategy:
  • on a high risk rural road (see the High Risk Rural Roads Guide for further information)
  • at a high risk intersection (see the High Risk Intersection Guide for more information)
  • on a high risk motorcycle route; and/or
  • a Safe System demonstration project