Being able to design roads and infrastructure knowing that bushfires are likely is key to ensuring areas often impacted by this risk can withstand the challenge. This joint project between the NACoE and WARRIP programs identified that both road agencies do not actively consider bushfire risk, in the same way that flooding risk is considered.
The project considered how to incorporate best practice bushfire management into road infrastructure planning, design, construction and maintenance practices to ensure bushfire risk is considered in transport network planning. The project then developed a framework on how to plan, design and maintain road infrastructure in high bushfire risk areas.
Main Roads Western Australia has used the framework to identify improvements and has captured these in an Action Plan. Should other road agencies wish the see a copy of this action plan please contact brendon.wiseman@mainroads.wa.gov.au