Ten Steps to 2030 for Safer Road Infrastructure: A Global Roadmap for Safer Roads
The road to safer infrastructure is paved with collaboration, innovation, and commitment. The Ten Steps to 2030 for Safer Road Infrastructure event, hosted by the International Road Federation (IRF), in partnership with the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) and the World Road Association (PIARC), brought together global leaders, policymakers, and road safety experts on 17 February 2025. Held as a side event during the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, Morocco, the event focused on how infrastructure can be a driving force behind the United Nations’ goal of halving road fatalities and injuries by 2030.
With an overwhelming turnout and lively discussions, the event highlighted the Ten Steps Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure as a practical roadmap for governments. Participants explored how this framework, addressing challenges in policy, design, and implementation, is critical to saving lives and improving road safety globally.
Developed by the UN Road Safety Collaboration, the Ten Step Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure offers a structured approach to tackling road safety challenges. The plan targets high-risk roads through infrastructure upgrades, strengthens road safety expertise via capacity building, and advocates for evidence-based interventions based on crash data and risk assessment methodologies. To be successful, it requires political commitment, institutional capacity, and sustainable financing—three pillars that must underpin efforts to achieve the ambitious 2030 goals.
A shining example of the Ten Steps framework in action is Tanzania’s progress as the first pilot country for the initiative. Backed by the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) and the Global Road Safety Facility, Tanzania made substantial progress over a 30-month period. This success earned the 2023 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for its remarkable impact, illustrating how the Ten Steps framework, supported by strong partnerships and political will, can transform road safety.
The Ten Steps framework is now extending its reach into Central Asia, Senegal and North and West Africa.
The event reinforced several key principles crucial for advancing global road safety:
- Capacity Building: Empowering professionals through training, such as the IRF’s International Registry of Road Safety Auditors.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Utilising tools like the IRF World Road Statistics to assess risks and guide investments where they are needed most.
- Global Partnerships: as IRF’s mission statement tells “Connecting to Empower Mobility”, partnerships are crucial in supporting road safety worldwide.
- Innovation and Technology: AI-driven assessments and crash data collection are changing how safety interventions are implemented.
IRF’s Road Safety Highlights at the 4th Ministerial Conference
The International Road Federation (IRF) had an impactful week at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety (15 – 21 February 2025) in Marrakech, hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Morocco’s National Road Safety Agency (NARSA). Held midway through the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, the conference addressed the urgent need to halve global road deaths by 2030—a target achievable through proven strategies, as demonstrated by 10 countries that have already reduced fatalities by 50%.
Throughout the conference, IRF hosted fruitful interactions at its busy exhibition booth, and co-hosted four well-attended sessions, each drawing full rooms of policymakers and experts.
On 16 February, At the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety—organised by the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety and WHO—IRF and Abertis led a workshop on integrating safe road design and operations into sustainable mobility systems. IRF Young Professionals contributed to discussions in this session, creating an engaging platform where young voices enriched debates on road infrastructure.
With over 150 participants in attendance, a dedicated side event with iRAP and PIARC highlighted the Ten Step Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure, an adaptable framework for countries to implement according to their capacity. Designed to support the UN Global Framework Plan of Action for Road Safety (GFPA) and UN legal instruments, the plan aims to improve road safety management and road infrastructure as a whole. It serves as a guide for countries to meet Global Targets 3 and 4, which mandate three-star safety ratings for new roads and safer upgrades for 75% of existing roads by 2030. The framework is currently being implemented through the Ten Step Senegal Project. An example of the framework’s success is the Tanzania Ten Step Plan Project, which was awarded a 2023 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award and, more recently, the Gary Liddle Award, presented to TANROADS.
IRF also co-hosted a cross-country roundtable discussion with over 100 attendees, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA). Leaders and representatives from international bodies like Malick Pallen representing the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Marisela Ponce de León Valdés from Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) and Debbie Cousins from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) discussed the UN Road Safety Fund Safe & Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa project to update road standards in Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania. The initiative prioritises protecting vulnerable users through updated safe road design practices and geometric design guidelines and regional collaboration. A similar framework is also being applied to the Safe & Inclusive Road Design initiative in Central Asia.
Practical Tools for Safer Roads
While design standards are essential, they must be complemented by strong road safety operations to be truly effective. In a parallel session with PIARC, IRF highlighted the importance of integrating measures such as road safety audits and speed management to prevent fatalities. The discussion also emphasised the need for institutional capacity building, political commitment, and sustainable financing to make road safety a priority at every level.
Leaders like Frank Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Zambia, explored the challenges and opportunities in developing and maintaining safe road infrastructure, focusing on practical solutions, financial constraints, and the role of international support in strengthening institutions.
Recognising the need for stronger road safety operations, IRF is taking concrete steps to build capacity and enhance road safety. At the close of the Conference, IRF announced a partnership with Australia’s National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) to train and provide international accreditation to road safety auditors in Australasia. This collaboration builds on the International Registry for Road Safety Auditors, launched by IRF and TotalEnergies in October 2024, which standardises auditor qualifications worldwide to ensure consistency in safety assessments. By equipping auditors with the necessary skills, this initiative reinforces the role of audits and inspections in identifying risks throughout the lifecycle of road projects, ultimately reducing crashes and saving lives.
Iverak-Lajkovac Expressway Completed with the Finalisation of the Iverak-Divci Subsection
At the beginning of February this year (2025), the construction of the Iverak – Lajkovac expressway was ended, with the completion of the subsection from Iverak to the Divci interchange and the opening of the remaining 5.8 km.
As a reminder, the 12.4 km section from the Lajkovac link to the Divci link was opened to traffic at the end of 2023. Iverak - Lajkovac expressway, 18.2 km long, starts from the I B cateogory state road number 27 (Loznica-Valjevo-Lazarevac) from the town of Iverak, through the newly designed roundabout and the "Divci" interchange, and ends with a connection to the existing "Lajkovac" interchange of the Belgrade-South Adriatic highway.
The design solution, with graded intersections, ensures safe, high-quality connectivity as well as the passability of other state and local roads. The bridges and culverts, of which there are 26, have separate directions and different lengths, and a total length of 2.5 km.
The longest bridge, which spans the Kolubara River, the state road and local roads, is 928 m long. Most of the route is located in the floodplain of the Kolubara River, about 52% of the route. The adopted design speed is 100 km/h, and the following elements have been applied:
- driving lanes 4 x 3.50 m = 14.0
- edge lanes (shoulder lanes) 4 x 0.50 m = 2.0 m
- dividing strip (dividing lane) 1 x 4.0 m = 4.0 m
- shoulders 2 x 1.5 m = 3.0 m
The total width of the characteristic cross-section is 23 m.
The project includes controlled drainage of the roadway with a system for purification and protection of watercourses.
SUBSECTION IVERAK – DIVCI INTERSECTION – CHARACTERISTICS AND WORKS PERFORMED
A roundabout has been designed at km 0+536.65, which represents the connection between the city of Valjevo, the existing road, the planned Valjevo Bypass and the designed road. The route then crosses over the existing state road and railway by bridge and continues along the right side of the railway from the direction of Valjevo towards Lajkovac.
The designed Divci interchgane is a graded intersection that has the function of connecting the planned state road with the existing I B category state road number 27, as well as with the II A category state road number 150 as a connection to the municipal center of Mionica and the tourist center of Divčibare.
Exactly 8 structures - bridges were built on the section, the Krivoshije and Rabas rivers were regulated, 10 collisions of electrical and power installations were relocated, 8 telecommunication installations were relocated and protected and 4 km of new road TC infrastructure was installed, as wel as as lighting was installed at the roundabout on bridge no. 3.
Quantities of materials:
- Excavation – 5,300.00m3
- Embankment – 814,000.00m3
- Crushed stone aggregate – 121,000m3
- Concrete – 12,500m3
- Asphalt – 28,180 tons
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
The Iverak - Lajkovac expressway is very important for the entire Kolubara District as it connects the city of Valjevo with the Miloš Veliki highway, or the Belgrade - South Adriatic highway.
The expressway shortens the journey to Belgrade and is a cross-connection in the road network of the Republic of Serbia. It connects parts of the Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina with the E-763 highway and further via Corridor 10, with Bulgaria and Greece.
IRF Young Professional Leaders Join Global Road Safety Conference
The 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety concluded on February 20, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco, bringing together policymakers, experts, and advocates to accelerate progress toward safer roads worldwide, including IRF Young Professional leaders.
Ray Adrian Macalalag, the IRF Young Professional Leader for Communications, played a key role as a Global Youth Mobility Ambassador at the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety, held on 15-16 February 2025, just before the ministerial conference.
Representing the Western Pacific Region, Macalalag spoke in a regional panel discussion on youth advocacy, where he encouraged young engineers to specialise in transportation and road safety. As an engineer, Macalalag encouraged young civil engineers present to specialise in transportation, particularly in road safety, public transport, and sustainable mobility. He emphasised that beyond the pride associated with constructing the tallest tower or the longest bridge, the most noble endeavor is to design and build roads that save lives.
Tendekayi Marapara, the IRF Young Professional Leader for Memberships, highlighted the urgency of continued action, stressing that young people remain the most affected by road crashes.
“We know that 1.2 million lives are lost on our roads every year, with young people being the most affected demographic. But what we do now and in the future will determine whether we can reduce these numbers,” Marapara said.
He called for continued collaboration and accountability among stakeholders, emphasising that o new and old contacts alike, we should keep the momentum high. Marapara also addressed policymakers directly, urging them to reflect on the human impact of road crashes, asking, “How important is human life to you?”
Both Macalalag and Marapara helped facilitate the IRF's parallel session "Safe Road Infrastructure: Safe Road Design," reinforcing the importance of integrating youth perspectives into infrastructure planning.
As the conference concluded, participants reflected on the commitments made and the work ahead to ensure safer roads for all. Marapara urged fellow young advocates to remain engaged, saying, “To my fellow young people, let’s keep claiming our space.” Looking ahead, Macalalag remains committed to translating discussions into action, concluding, “To saving lives – now and beyond Marrakech!".
IRF and NTRO Partner to Deliver Training and Accreditation for Road Safety Auditors in Australia and New Zealand
On the occasion of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety being hosted this week in Marrakech (Morocco), the International Road Federation (IRF) and the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) have announced a partnership to deliver training and accreditation for road safety auditors in Australia and New Zealand. In response to the growing need for high-quality road safety audits, this partnership will enable professionals trained by NTRO to gain international accreditation and be listed in the IRF International Registry of Road Safety Auditors.
Launched in October 2024 with the support of TotalEnergies, the IRF International Registry of Road Safety Auditors aims to establish a global standard for the training and accreditation of road safety auditors. The registry sets clear, internationally recognised certification standards to ensure consistency and quality in road safety audits worldwide. This initiative enhances transparency and ensures that auditors meet stringent professional qualifications on a global scale.
“Following the partnership with the UK Society of Road Safety Auditors (SoRSA) and with Spanish Association of Road Safety Auditors (ASEVI), this new partnership is another important step forward in our global efforts to ensure high-quality road safety audits that ultimately will result in safer roads for everyone” said Susanna Zammataro, IRF Director General.
Michael Caltabiano, Chief Executive Officer of NTRO expressed "This partnership with the IRF underscores our commitment to advancing road safety in Australia and beyond. By aligning our training programmes with the IRF’s international accreditation framework, we are equipping road safety professionals with the skills needed to make a tangible difference in reducing road trauma and in saving lives.”
As a globally recognised leader in road safety, the IRF brings over seven decades of experience in supporting governments and organisations in training and certifying road safety auditors. With its extensive network spanning all continents, the IRF is well-positioned to support global efforts aimed at preventing road crashes and saving thousands of lives.
About NTRO
The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) is Australia's leading authority on transport research, dedicated to advancing road safety, infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions. With over 60 years of experience, NTRO collaborates with government, industry, and academia to develop innovative strategies and practical solutions across all modes of transport, including roads, rail, ports, and airports. Their mission is to lead the world in innovative transport solutions, enabling safer, more resilient, and prosperous communities.
www.ntro.org.au
SOTEN International Transportation Conference 2025: Advancing Safe, Sustainable, Efficient, and Resilient Mobility
The Society of Transport Engineers Nepal (SOTEN), in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT), is set to host the 3rd SOTEN International Transportation Conference from 11 to 13 April 2025, at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal. The conference will bring together transportation professionals, policymakers, researchers, and key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for enhancing mobility in Nepal and beyond.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Transport Development
The upcoming conference is being organized with the support of prominent national and international agencies, including the Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC), the Department of Roads (DoR), the Asian Transport Outlook (ATO), and the Eastern Asia Society of Transport Studies (EASTS). Their involvement underscores the importance of fostering strategic partnerships to advance safe, sustainable, efficient, and resilient transportation systems.
Call for Papers: Submission Deadline Extended
SOTEN has announced an extension of the deadline for paper submissions until 15 February 2025. Researchers, professionals, and academicians are encouraged to submit their abstracts via the official conference website. This extension aims to provide additional opportunities for valuable contributions to the discussions on transportation advancements. More details on submission guidelines can be found at soten.org.np/conference.
Conference Theme and Objectives
The central theme of the conference, "Towards Safe, Sustainable, Efficient, and Resilient Mobility," highlights the need for a holistic approach to transportation planning and development. Key objectives of the conference include:
- Disseminating state-of-the-art research and best practices in transportation engineering.
- Promoting the integration of sustainable transport infrastructure in Nepal’s urban and rural settings.
- Enhancing decision-making capabilities for policymakers and urban planners.
- Addressing climate resilience in transportation infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Strengthening public transport systems, including electric mobility and transit-oriented development.
Government and International Collaboration
The active participation of Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) and the Department of Roads (DoR) signifies a strong commitment to urban transport development and road safety enhancements in Nepal. Additionally, international organizations such as ATO and EASTS bring valuable insights and global perspectives on sustainable transport development, making this conference a landmark event for fostering regional and international cooperation.
Conference Schedule and Registration
The three-day event will feature technical sessions, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and a technical site visit. Early bird registration is available until March 15, 2025, with special rates for SAARC countries, institutional participants, and SOTEN members. The conference is expected to generate comprehensive proceedings that will serve as a crucial reference for decision-makers in Nepal’s transport sector.
For more details and registration, visit soten.org.np/conference or contact the conference secretariat at info@soten.org.np.
ReCAP: A Vital Resource for Rural Roads Knowledge and Innovation
At the heart of the International Road Federation (IRF) mission to “Connect to Empower Mobility” lies the ReCAP (Research for Community Access Partnership) initiative—a dynamic platform designed to transform rural connectivity worldwide. Hosted at www.research4cap.org, ReCAP serves as a comprehensive knowledge hub, offering industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders the tools and insights needed to drive innovation and sustainability in rural roads and transport.
What is ReCAP?
Funded by the UK Government, ReCAP is a globally recognised initiative focused on generating and disseminating research, tools, and best practices for rural road infrastructure. The programme - which ran from 2014 to 2020 – has addressed the unique challenges of rural transport, including accessibility, sustainability, and resilience, while promoting innovative solutions that empower communities and drive economic growth.
What Resources Does ReCAP Offer?
The ReCAP website is a treasure trove of resources designed to support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of rural road networks. Key offerings include:
- Research Papers and Reports: In-depth studies on topics such as low-cost engineering, climate resilience, and community-led road maintenance.
- Technical Guides and Toolkits: Practical resources to help implement best practices in rural road development.
- Case Studies: Real-world examples of successful rural road projects from around the globe.
- Policy Briefs: Insights and recommendations to inform decision-making and policy development.
Why ReCAP Matters
Rural roads are the arteries of connectivity, linking remote communities to opportunities, services, and markets. They are vital to achieving sustainable development goals, fostering economic opportunities, and improving quality of life for millions of people. However, the complexity of rural road projects demands evidence-based approaches and collaborative efforts.
ReCAP bridges this gap by providing accessible, high-quality resources that empower stakeholders to tackle challenges and deliver impactful solutions. Whether you’re a practitioner, researcher, or policymaker, ReCAP equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to make a difference.
Discover how this invaluable resource can support your work and contribute to the global effort to build safer, more sustainable rural road networks. Together, we can connect communities and empower mobility, one road at a time.
