This report provides a methodology to establish an Australian weigh-in-motion (WIM) network where data can be shared across the jurisdictions to better manage and plan for the growing freight task. It will also contribute to the potential development of a national strategic WIM network in New Zealand. It is anticipated that the data from a national WIM network will: * support the strategic collection and use of data for targeted compliance and enforcement activities * provide reliable data on heavy vehicle axle loading and frequency, which will enable a better understanding of pavement designs and rehabilitation treatments * facilitate information sharing to better inform assessment of the impact of heavy vehicles on the road system and current and future policy decisions * assist in measuring the success of National Reform initiatives * improve the consistency and quality of data needed to support funding bids for projects under national and state and territory programs. The methodology will ensure a consistent approach across the WIM networks in jurisdictions and enable accurate data sharing and analysis to plan for future freight movements. An initial stage was performed which conducted a review of current WIM data capture, analysis, use and requirements. It also included a summary of existing methodologies for determining appropriate placement of WIM sites in each jurisdiction. Based on the findings from the initial stage, and following stakeholder consultation and a workshop, five outcomes were developed to progress the development of a national WIM network, as outlined below. It is recommended that Austroads consider progressing these outcomes: * Outcome 1: Reasons in support of the development of guidelines for the strategic selection of new WIM stations are set out. These guidelines should be high-level in nature, rather than detailed, technical guidelines. * Outcome 2: Information on currently available WIM systems sourced from WIM manufacturers and providers is documented in the report. Indicative system costs as well as information regarding which jurisdictions have experience in certain systems have also been identified. * Outcome 3: A complete list of data fields relevant to the WIM stations was collected, with the data fields divided into higher importance and lower importance categories. Awareness and knowledge of the current WIM network is a crucial step in the formation of a national network as the current status must be known before future planning of the network can be implemented. It is recommended that the database describing existing WIM sites which has been collected as part of the project is not expanded further until there is a clear purpose for collecting a complete data set and the benefits and costs have been identified. * Outcome 4: Three options for common data processing of WIM data across Australia were developed. The general consensus amongst stakeholders was that, while common data processing was promising and an integral part of a strategic national WIM network, it would require further detailed investigation into the costs and benefits of data harmonisation. While it is the most costly option, it is recommended that Option 1 (central repository of WIM data maintained by a third party) be progressed as the preferred option for common data processing. Option 1 will provide the best outcome for a national WIM network as there will be one central repository of data which will enable more readily available data in a consistent format across Australia. * Outcome 5: The study has highlighted the importance of integration of intelligent transport systems (ITS) with WIM systems and the added value that this can provide. While compliance and enforcement is one area where there is a clear benefit in integrating WIM systems with automatic number plate recognition devices, the systems can also provide value to other safety and pre-screening devices. Linking WIM data with other data sources such as traffic volumes and pavement condition can also provide a greater picture of the traffic network, while comparing WIM locations with geographic data sets such as heavy vehicle networks will be an important stage in any gap analysis of the network. Consideration of other data sources as well as the use of other ITS devices at the same site should be incorporated into any network plan for WIM. Higher-priority items for ITS integration with WIM systems include — integration with enforcement/identification technologies to assist with compliance and enforcement operations — integration with the IAP to help identify vehicles operating under permit schemes — integration with other data sources such as vehicle classifiers. (Author/publisher)
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