The May Issue of the ATS Implementation Newsletter can be read online.
Specification Harmonisation – Austroads Technical Standards (ATS)
Over the last three years, Austroads has been developing a suite of nationally harmonised construction specifications. As part of Victoria’s commitment to this national initiative, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is now ready to commence the implementation phase, adopting the ATS for transport infrastructure contracts being delivered by the Victorian Government.
The implementation of ATS in Victoria may require the development of Victorian supplements to capture state-specific requirements. These supplements will be kept to a minimum, and over time, we will be working hard to reduce the need for this supplementary material as Austroads achieves greater harmonisation of technical requirements, sampling and test methods.
The initial focus will be on specifications related to asphalt, concrete, geotechnical, and structural engineering requirements. Feedback on the Victorian supplements will be sought from state-based industry associations and key stakeholders.
Interactions between the new ATS and other DTP contractual documentation is also being reviewed as part of the implementation phase. To facilitate this, DTP will continue to use our existing technical/standard specification numbering system and augmenting that where needed, i.e. where one existing Victorian specification will be replaced by multiple ATS.
Adoption of the ATS will not impact existing (in-flight) infrastructure projects, which will continue to use the relevant technical specifications at the time of contract award. In line with established DTP/MTIA practices, all future projects will be subject to the relevant ATS and any supplementary Victorian requirements where those projects are awarded after the implementation date of the relevant ATS.
Stay informed
To ensure that you are well-informed about our progress, the Road Standards team within DTP will be providing regular communication through this newsletter. The most efficient way to stay updated is by subscribing to future editions of this ATS Implementation Newsletter using the following link: ATS Implementation Newsletter
If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact us via email at [email protected].
Furthermore, we will be hosting an online information session in the near future. This session will cover essential background information, highlight the initial specifications being implemented and provide a platform for questions and answers.
Current ATS DocumentsThe published ATS documents can be accessed on the Austroads website (Publications | Austroads). Austroads Technical Specifications.
Why is Victoria Harmonising its Technical Specifications?Contractors, consultants and the materials supply industry across Australia have been actively pursuing harmonisation of technical requirements across road and transport agencies for many years. The industry has strongly advocated for road and transport agencies to align their technical specifications. The (Austroads Strategic Plan 2020-2024) provides more details on the background of this initiative.
In 2019, the Austroads Board (of which DTP is a member) agreed to produce a suit of harmonised technical specifications for use by all Australian and New Zealand Road and Transport agencies. To guide the development of this key initiative, the Austroads Board established the Austroads Technical Advisory Group (ATAG). This taskforce comprises the Chief Engineer (or equivalent) from each jurisdiction who are working collaboratively to align the technical requirements of construction specifications.Austroads – Who Are They?
Austroads is a nonpartisan organisation that is the collective of the Australian and New Zealand transport agencies at all levels of government. Austroads provides information, tools and services to assist its member agencies in delivering efficient, reliable and safe mobility solutions to their customers. Its work impacts a wide range of agencies, including planning, service, infrastructure, health and safety, public health, and policing.