NSW Transitions To NHVR’s National Network Map

Following the release of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s National Network Map in December, Transport for New South Wales has now transitioned the state’s networks to the map, with all networks displayed.

The National Network Map aims to support improved heavy vehicle access efficiency and decision-making by bringing together the state-based heavy vehicle networks and displaying them in one location, allowing operators to view where they can access, and where they need to seek access approval on a national level. It covers more than 1,000 heavy vehicle configurations.

Previously, operators often needed to separately check individual jurisdictional websites to be confident about access on routes covering multiple jurisdictions.

The national regulator says that from an operator’s perspective, there will be very little impact, but for local government, it is the first stage in enabling all NSW local governments to propose any network changes directly into the system, using a self-service model.

The NHVR National Map is built using an OpenStreetMap dataset, which is a different data set than used by TfNSW. This enables timely and accurate changes to road infrastructure, during such times as construction works or new road geometry creation.

The NHVR says that over the remainder of this year, the NSW networks will be re-created on the OpenStreetMap roads.

“For most roads, there will be minimal or no difference, however, where we anticipate there is a potential difference, the NHVR will work with TfNSW and local governments to confirm any geometry differences,” it adds.

“Such differences could occur where an ‘air gap’ has been introduced to the TfNSW network to reflect a restricted piece of infrastructure. Where the NHVR is identifying these, we will confirm with local councils that the air gap is intentional or based on historical reasons.

“The NHVR will reach out to each local council to agree on the new representation once the data is in OpenStreetMap. This level of data integrity means we can confidently assure both local government and industry the networks are accurate.”

During the period of transition, the NHVR says the current process for changing a network will not immediately change. A local road manager will complete the Route Update Request form and forward it to the NHVR.

“Our internal teams will complete the change on your behalf. Once a network has been fully transitioned to OpenStreetMap, it will be possible to use the Network Management tools we have built and are rolling out across other states.

“The NHVR spatial team will work with local governments to train and provide guidance to complete any changes using these tools moving forward,” the NHVR explains.

The NHVR says the National Map will be the “master of all road networks for NSW”.

“In the next few months, we will commence rolling out self-management tools to local governments to ensure these networks are kept up to date once the networks have been recreated in OpenStreetMap.

“Simultaneously, the NHVR will be working to add to the number of available data layers available in the maps, together with improving the management of intersections, bridges and rail level crossings.

“We are also completing functionality to enable the automation of permits under pre-approval schemes. Combining this with digitising pre-approvals, and enabling their representation on the National Network Map, will mean less administration for local government, whilst streamlining the permit process for operators,” it claims.