Heavy Vehicle Access

Under the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012, the Commissioner of Main Roads is responsible for granting road access to Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs).

The Commissioner carries out this function through Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS).

HVS administers the route assessment process.

Legal Responsibility

Access approvals are granted via either a RAV Notice or a RAV Permit.

Permits include:- Oversize Permits- Oversize Road Train Permits- Concessional Loading Permits- Tri Drive Road Train Permits- Exceptional Circumstances Permits

Types of Approvals

Types of Approvals

Types of Approvals

Where heavy vehicle access is requested and the road has not been approved for the particular type of vehicle previously, a route assessment must be conducted.

Different vehicles have different dynamic performance characteristics.

Route Assessment Guidelines have been developed based on the vehicle performance characteristics.

Route Assessments Process

Main Roads is currently working with Local Governments to establish strategic networks.

This will ensure through traffic is directed onto roads that are receiving appropriate maintenance funding.

Local access will still be provided, however conditions will be applied to these roads to maintain a level of control for Local Government.

Route Assessments Process

Road Safety

Infrastructure Protection

Network Sustainability

Public Amenity

Route Assessments Process

Route Assessment Process

The route assessment process includes conducting physical route assessments.

HVS, Main Roads Regional Offices, Local Governments and Consultants conduct the route assessments.

Road width

Gradients

Overhead Clearances

Swept Paths

Stacking Distances

Bridge Assessments

Route Assessment Process

Road Widths

Road widths must be sufficient for the particular category of vehicle.

Vehicle combinations use road widths greater than the width of the vehicle itself.

Tracking of a vehicle combination is effected by speed, road cross fall, differing vehicle characteristics etc.

Gradients

Steep grades impact the performance of heavy vehicles and increase the risk of:

- Loss of traction- Stalling- Brake failure

Overhead Clearances

Overhead clearances are checked including:

- Bridges- Trees- Powerlines

Swept Paths

Swept Paths for all turns to ensure the vehicle is not encroaching on verges, footpaths and oncoming traffic.

Stacking Distances

Stacking distances are measured where a railway crossing is adjacent to an intersection to ensure the vehicle will not encroach on the railway line or the through road.

Bridge Assessments

Bridge assessments are conducted to ensure the bridge is suitably rated for the mass of the proposed vehicle.

Applicant must obtain written endorsement from the road owner.

Applicant forwards a request to HVS along with written endorsement from the road owner.

Application Process

Route assessment will then be conducted.

All route assessments conducted are forwarded to HVS for approval.

Route Assessment Process

RAV Mapping Tool

Questions