New guidance on safe and inclusive road design published for road engineers and infrastructure designers in Central Asia
On 26 June 2025, our collaboration between UNESCAP, iRAP, EASST and the International Road Federation (IRF) to review and improve local road geometrical design standards for safer and more inclusive roads across Central Asia drew to a close with a final workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event also marked the launch of a new suite of road safety design guidance for road infrastructure designers across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Over the past 18 months, since the project’s launch in March 2024, partners have carried out a stepped process including kick‑off missions to each pilot country, a stakeholder consultation in Tashkent in November 2024, a three‑session technical training series for 70 engineers and practitioners in May 2025, and preparatory workshops that informed the suite of guidance now being released.
The concluding workshop in Tashkent on 26 June was opened by the Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Mr Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, both of whom celebrated the creation of the new resource package, which includes:
- A full project report of our approach and methodology, including details of existing GOST-SNiP design standards in each country.
- Results of iRAP star rating assessments at standard cross sections in the region.
- Tailored road safety design guidance, based on international best practice, for each pilot country (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan).
- Safer road design guidance graphics.
The guidance has been developed in close cooperation with national stakeholders and with input from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) and European Investment Bank (EIB) - with financial support provided by the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF). The aim of these resources is not to replace existing standards but to supplement them and offer valuable guidance to road engineers and other stakeholders on how to incorporate evidence-based safety measures derived from international best practice into future road projects.
In particular, the guidance emphasises the importance of early intervention into the project planning process, especially during feasibility studies, to reduce the risks that can lead to serious crashes, injuries, and deaths. It promotes a Safe System Approach, which recognises that road users, as human beings, can make mistakes, and that those mistakes should not cost lives or result in serious injury. The approach calls for road design that mitigates risk, especially for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and children.
Safe road design is not only lifesaving but also cost-effective. It helps to avoid the economic losses incurred by countries due to road crashes with early intervention also serving as a mechanism to avoid costly mistakes in the road development process. The guidance for each country covers key areas including: a review of existing national standards; practical design solutions based on road safety design principles such as lower speeds and forgiving infrastructure; detailed guidance on specific design elements and the role they play in mitigating risk; and why consultation and stakeholder engagement is a vital part of the design process.
Speaking at the workshop, Julio Urzua, iRAP's Strategic Projects Director said, “One of the most important aspects of the project has been its collaborative approach, as the focus has been on three countries that use the GOST-SNiP design standards in Central Asia. As a result of the project, those countries now have a Road Safety Design Guidance, which will help road designers to improve the safety conditions of the road designs. In addition to this Guidance, the project produced an iRAP tar Rating Assessment Results of Standard Cross Sections, which will be a very valuable document for those designers who want to assess the risk of death and serious injury in the current design standards using the iRAP methodology of Star Ratings, based on the features of the road and the degree to which they impact on the likelihood and severity of crashes.”
Julia Funk, Programme Manager and Head of Statistics at the IRF commented, “At the International Road Federation, we believe that no one should lose their life or health due to preventable road design flaws. This project reinforces our commitment to advancing safer infrastructure by supporting countries to integrate evidence-based, people-centred design into national practices. The resources developed are the result of genuine collaboration and mark a concrete step toward making roads across Central Asia safer and more inclusive.”
While Emma MacLennan, Director General of EASST said, “Improving road engineering design standards is not just a paper exercise. Across all three pilot projects EASST and our local partners have implemented pilot pedestrian infrastructure upgrades with tremendous impact – including huge reductions in road crashes. These interventions really do save lives and make cities more liveable. Now, with the new guidance being launched today, we look forward to seeing these small pilots become the norm. The guides we have produced are practical and user-friendly, designed to sit alongside existing standards. Road engineers and designers should take these guides as a fundamental resource on which all design decisions are based. If this happens, we will have succeeded.”
By implementing and updating national road design standards in line with international standards such as the UN Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and CAREC’s Safely Connected: A Regional Road Safety Strategy, our aim is to minimise road traffic fatalities and injuries through safer road infrastructure. And we hope that the pilots in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan that have been a focus of this project will scale up to have CAREC-wide implications.
The issue of safety, as well as the ability to ensure the accessibility of the road for all users, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and people with limited mobility, should be prioritised during the design of new roads and existing road upgrades. Stakeholder engagement, integration of international safety measures and capacity building activities will support the effective implementation of updated standards and result in continued improvement of road infrastructure planning and design in Central Asia.
To download the Resource Package in English and Russian, visit https://www.gtkp.com/themepage/road-safety/safe-and-inclusive-road-designs-in-central-asia/
European Operators welcome ACCAM Infrastructure Tools at ASECAP Days
At the 52nd ASECAP Days conference in May 2025, the International Road Federation (IRF) presented an innovative approach to readying infrastructure for automated mobility. Gonzalo Alcaraz, IRF Acting Director General, introduced the Augmented CCAM PDI Support Classification Schema to 80 European transport specialists. This practical framework helps road operators prioritise infrastructure investments for Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM).
The EU-funded AUGMENTED CCAM project, coordinated by FEHRL and developed by 27 partners across Europe, addresses a critical challenge: with limited budget, operators cannot upgrade all physical infrastructure (such as road markings and sensors) and digital systems (such as data networks) simultaneously. The schema resolves this by systematically categorising 81 essential elements, from road surface conditions to traffic management systems, and evaluating their impact on safety, traffic flow, and vehicle automation readiness.
Attendees responded enthusiastically to the new approach. One of the participants noted: “This framework finally gives us a methodology to target investments where they matter most. We can now enhance safety for all road users while strategically preparing for automated vehicles.” The session highlighted how the tool prevents inefficient spending and aligns upgrades with EU priorities such as the Green Deal.
Two practical tools operationalise the schema: an Infrastructure Readiness Assessment Tool enabling operators to evaluate roads and simulate upgrades, and a Collaborative Feedback Platform allowing stakeholders to refine the framework.
With transport authorities already testing these resources, the project marks significant progress toward seamless CCAM integration. As one participant observed: “This moves us from theory to actionable strategy, exactly what operators need.”
The AUGMENTED CCAM project receives funding from the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
International Road Federation (IRF)
Ms Lara Delutis
Communications Manager
ldelutis@irfofficial.org
www.irfofficial.org
CERTH
Ms Maria Gkemou
General Director of Central Directorate
mgemou@certh.gr
www.certh.gr
FEHRL
Mr Thierry Goger
Secretary General
thierry.goger@fehrl.org
www.fehrl.org
IRF Certifies a New Set of Observer Road Safety Auditors in Uganda
Recently, twenty Ugandan professionals took an important step towards safer roads in their country. They earned international certification as road safety Observer Auditors through a training led by the International Road Federation (IRF), with support from the TotalEnergies Foundation and Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport.
This certification is part of a broader effort to improve road safety infrastructure. Over the next year, the IRF will continue to provide annual training and certification programmes, from Uganda to Tanzania and India to equip local experts with the skills needed to identify risks and improve road designs before collisions occur.
The most recent training took place in Kampala, Uganda from 2 to 13 June 2025. IRF Lead Trainer Miguel Angel Serrano Santos guided the group through a 60-hour course combining classroom theory and hands-on audits of active road projects.
Candidates were selected based on their professional background and their ability to improve road safety in Uganda. This ensured that the knowledge gained would be applied effectively in practice. One participant commented, “I am glad to have earned certification from the IRF. Thanks to our trainer, Miguel Angel Serrano Santos, for sharing valuable knowledge and for challenging but necessary lessons.”
Gonzalo Alcaraz, Acting Director General of the IRF, explained the significance: “Certification equips professionals with practical skills to identify and address road safety risks early on. This initiative strengthens local capacity to protect lives and improve infrastructure, making a tangible difference on the ground.”
Following Uganda, the training programme will continue in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in July 2025. Later this year, India will also host training sessions as part of this ongoing initiative.
Each certified observer auditor becomes part of the International Registry of Road Safety Auditors. This registry sets clear standards for certification and maintains a global list of qualified professionals. The registry helps MDBs (Multilateral Development Banks), governments, and organisations identify trusted auditors who meet international qualifications. It aims to increase transparency and improve the consistency and quality of road safety audits worldwide. Dimitris Mandalozis, President of the IRF, described the registry as a “game-changer” for global road safety. “By establishing clear criteria, we raise audit quality and provide a vital tool for those committed to safer roads.”
Managed as a digital platform by the IRF, the registry verifies auditors’ credentials before listing them.
Uganda’s newly certified Observer Auditors are now prepared to participate in road safety audits. Their next step is to take part in at least five audits within 12 months to qualify as full auditing team members, aiming ultimately to become certified road safety auditors.
IRF President Highlights Role of Infrastructure in Future of Mobility at ASECAP Days 2025
From 26 to 28 May, Madrid hosted the 52nd edition of ASECAP Days, where the European toll road and motorway sector gathered to explore the evolving landscape of mobility. Under the theme “Challenges of Future Mobility | The Role of Road Infrastructure”, the event tackled the pressing need to make transport systems safer and greener.
The International Road Federation (IRF) was actively present, with its President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Aegean Motorway S.A. Dimitris Mandalozis, delivering a speech on 27 May. Opening the conference, Mr Mandalozis drew attention to the accelerating pace of change in mobility, from electrification and automation to shared mobility and digitalisation, and the critical role infrastructure must play in navigating this transformation.
“Is our road infrastructure ready to support the mobility of tomorrow?” he asked delegates, setting the tone for an address built around three strategic pillars: smarter systems, sustainable approaches, and inclusive design. “We must embrace digital technologies that enable predictive maintenance, real-time traffic management, and dynamic safety interventions. Connected infrastructure is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.”
He also underscored the importance of harmonised standards, open data ecosystems, and intersectoral collaboration. He then turned to sustainability: “Infrastructure must be sustainable. That means investing in EV charging corridors, climate-resilient designs, and circular construction materials. But sustainability is not just environmental, it is also social and economic.”
Concluding his address, Mr Mandalozis called for greater inclusivity in infrastructure planning: “Future mobility will be multi-modal and user centred. Roads must be designed for all users: drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport.”
He emphasised the need for a Safe System approach, one that anticipates human error and minimises harm, while also allowing space for future shifts in mobility behaviour and technology. “We must also plan with flexibility, recognising that travel behaviour, technologies, and needs will continue to evolve.”
Later that day, in a parallel session on digital tools for infrastructure, Mr Mandalozis returned to the stage to present the Motorway Management Service System (MMSS), a digital twin model that showcases the potential of data-driven tools in asset management. The MMSS exemplifies how digitalisation can enhance safety, optimise maintenance, and boost operational efficiency.
Bringing his interventions to a close, Mr Mandalozis reminded participants of the long-term stakes involved in today’s infrastructure choices: “The roads we build today will determine the kind of mobility and the kind of society we enable tomorrow.”
In the session “CCAM: Challenges Towards Large Scale Deployment” organised by FACTUAL, IRF presented the short, medium and long terms that infrastructure will face in the arrival of autonomus vehicles.
One of the main challenges highlighted by the IRF, is at the foundation level, stressing the importance of understanding and harmonising the infrastructure. IRF spotlighted the work of the Augmented CCAM Project which is doing exactly that.
The project seeks to harmonise and evaluate Physical, Digital, and Communication Infrastructure (PDI) to accelerate the integration of automated mobility across Europe. It is developing 11 PDI support solutions (aiming at TLR 6-7) that are being applied and evaluated in different configurations in seven test sites across three European Countries (France, Latvia, Spain), encompassing a vast spectrum of physical (living labs, closed areas, open traffic highway, urban and periurban/rural environments) and virtual (DT, AV & driving simulators) test beds.
TRL Software’s iROADS Powers Malta’s Digital Leap in Road Asset Management
TRL Software has successfully rolled out a new digital pavement asset management system for Malta Transport called TM Roads, to enhance roadworks coordination and public transparency across the island’s transport network. The new TM Roads system is a customised version of TRL Software’s cloud-based Asset Management software, iROADS, configured specifically for Malta Transport. It is a commercially available off-the-shelf platform designed to manage various infrastructure assets.
The new platform, TM Roads, marks a significant shift from manual road permitting processes to a fully digital, centralised system designed to streamline communication between government bodies, utilities, contractors and the public. The initiative is part of Malta’s broader “Reshaping Our Mobility” strategy, aimed at delivering smarter, more responsive transport infrastructure.
TRL’s flagship asset management software iROADS enables authorities to plan, monitor, and optimise road maintenance and construction activities in real-time through a single intelligent interface using multiple data sources. TM Roads is the first module in the platform to be implemented in Malta. This modular approach is perfect for local authorities managing a phased integration of multiple solutions into a single cloud-based Software as a Service platform that gives them huge efficiency savings.
“We’re proud to support the Government of Malta with our iROADS platform, helping to create a more coordinated, transparent and citizen-centric road network,” said Subu Kamal, Head of Product for TRL Software. “Our technology is designed to remove inefficiencies and empower infrastructure managers with the data they need to make faster, better decisions. Malta is now part of a growing group of forward-thinking nations transforming the way they manage roads.”
At the launch event, Malta’s Transport Minister Dr Chris Bonett described TM Roads as “an important step in a wider chain of solutions we are working towards,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to delivering tangible results for its citizens.
Kurt Farrugia, CEO of Transport Malta, added that the platform will improve communication with the public while reducing inconvenience to residents by providing timely, accurate information about upcoming works and permits.
This deployment extends TRL Software’s international footprint, joining similar iROADS implementations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. It demonstrates how digital transformation is reshaping public sector infrastructure, with data and technology at the heart of smarter road networks.A version of iROADS, known as P-AMS, is used by National Highways to manage England’s strategic road network. In addition to supporting national infrastructure, iROADS is the ideal solution for local authorities seeking to manage their local road networks more effectively. iROADS is a suite of modules to support network operation.
MOBILITIES FOR EU Holds 4th General Assembly in Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk, Poland – 12 June 2025 – The MOBILITIES FOR EU consortium gathered for its 4th General Assembly in the vibrant coastal city of Gdańsk from 11 to 12 June. Over the course of the two days, all project partners, including the International Road Federation (IRF), convened to share progress updates, discuss upcoming milestones, and explore new ideas for shaping the future of sustainable and inclusive urban mobility across Europe.
The meeting featured detailed presentations from each partner on the current status of their activities and included a series of engaging workshops focused on topics ranging from urban logistics to user engagement and smart infrastructure between the different pilots and cities.
Open Day at Olivia Centre Engages Citizens in the Future of Urban Mobility
A special highlight of the event was the Open Day at the Olivia Centre, one of the project’s demonstration sites in Gdańsk. Citizens were invited to visit a co-working space inside the centre, where they had the opportunity to meet with project partners, ask questions, and learn more about the innovations being piloted in their city and the other cities of the project. The Olivia Centre is a central location for mobility testing within the project, and the event allowed for open dialogue between the consortium and local residents.
The Open Day also featured a guided tour through the Olivia Area demo site, where project partners could see firsthand how new mobility solutions will be integrated into the urban environment.
Aligning Infrastructure for Automated Mobility: IRF Showcases Augmented CCAM Project at International Conferences
The International Road Federation (IRF) has recently presented the Augmented CCAM (Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility) project at three major international events, reaffirming the need for harmonised and future-ready infrastructure to support the safe and scalable deployment of automated vehicles. These engagements in Melbourne, Seville, and Madrid, highlighted both the technical challenges and the actionable frameworks being developed to assess, prioritise, and adapt Physical, Digital, and Communication Infrastructure (PDI) across diverse operational contexts.
Addressing Fragmentation in Infrastructure Readiness
The deployment of CCAM technologies across Europe remains constrained by inconsistencies in infrastructure readiness. Road operators often lack structured tools to evaluate existing assets, prioritise upgrades, and align interventions with vehicle automation requirements. The Augmented CCAM project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme and coordinated by FEHRL, aims to resolve this gap by delivering a harmonised classification system and suite of assessment tools. These are tested in real-world and simulated environments across seven test sites in France, Latvia, and Spain.
NTRO International Transport Conference, Melbourne (7–9 May 2025)
At the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) Conference in Australia, IRF Acting Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz hosted a technical workshop that gathered over 80 professionals from road, rail, and transport infrastructure sectors. The session focused on the challenges of decarbonising transport and enhancing safety performance, providing a timely platform to introduce the Augmented CCAM project's approach to infrastructure planning for automation.
ITS European Congress, Seville (19–21 May 2025)
IRF Project Manager Agostina Massarini delivered a high-level presentation during the session titled “CCAM: Challenges Towards Large Scale Deployment”, organised by FACTUAL. The discussions focused on the criticality of foundation-level infrastructure alignment, calling for interoperability in PDI elements to enable seamless mixed-fleet operation. Notably, the project’s 5-tier readiness framework was presented as a tool for linking PDI characteristics with vehicle automation levels (SAE Levels 0–5), thus directly supporting the CAV "Sense–Plan–Act" architecture. Among the issues discussed were infrastructure localisation, digital twin orchestration, and dynamic mapping. All vital for automated driving systems that rely on anticipatory data inputs and robust communication protocols.
ASECAP Days, Madrid (26–28 May 2025)
The 52nd ASECAP Days provided a critical European policy and operator-focused audience. The conference, themed “Challenges of Future Mobility: The Role of Road Infrastructure”, aligned closely with the Augmented CCAM project’s objectives. IRF participated in discussions around investment models, electric vehicle infrastructure, and alignment with EU strategies such as the Green Deal and Fit for 55.
On 27 May, IRF presented the ACCAM PDI Support Classification Schema, which systematically categorises 81 PDI elements across 10 clusters (e.g., road surface, traffic control, digital enablers). These are evaluated for their contribution to automation, safety, traffic efficiency, and investment feasibility in highway, urban, and rural settings.
Application and Future Relevance
By harmonising infrastructure classification and providing evidence-based evaluation tools, the Augmented CCAM project equips road authorities with practical frameworks to address the uncertainties surrounding CCAM deployment. The initiative supports EU-level objectives such as the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and builds capacity for consistent infrastructure adaptation across borders.
In bringing these findings to the international stage, IRF has reinforced the need to shift from fragmented, vehicle-centric strategies to a more integrated, systems-based approach to automation. The emphasis lies not only in enabling the technological deployment of CAVs but in ensuring that infrastructure (physical, digital, and communicative) can support that transition safely and efficiently.
References
Successful Introduction to Road Safety Audits Course Hosted in Qatar
The International Road Federation (IRF) successfully concluded a three-day Introduction to Road Safety Audits course in Doha, Qatar, from 25–27 May 2025. Organised jointly with the Qatar University’s Transportation and Traffic Safety Centre (TTS Centre) and the World Conference on Transport Research Society (WCTRS), the programme was hosted at the Le Méridien Hotel.
A total of 20 participants including highway engineers, traffic safety specialists and planners from Qatar’s public agencies and consulting firms took part. The course was led by Dr Wael K. M. Alhajyaseen (Associate Professor at Qatar University) and Miguel Ángel Serrano Santos (IRF Lead Trainer and UNOPS road safety specialist), who brought extensive global expertise to the training.
The course covered the full range of road safety audit (RSA) procedures and requirements. It emphasised the importance of conducting audits and implementing their recommendations to identify and address potential hazards on roads. Participants learned the latest methodologies and technologies for reducing traffic injury risk. The programme blended theoretical background with practical exercises, using examples from Qatar’s own road network to ensure that risk identification skills would be effective and impactful.
- Rigorous methodology: The programme stressed a thorough, systematic approach to road safety auditing as a cornerstone of preventing crashes.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Topics ranged from audit procedures and standards to effective implementation of safety recommendations.
- Practical focus: Real-world case studies and exercises, tailored to Qatar’s road environment, helped participants apply their knowledge directly to local infrastructure.
- Expert instructors: International and local road safety specialists shared best practices and guided attendees through hands-on analysis.
- Certification: All 20 participants earned an official IRF training certificate upon completing the course.
Participants and organisers emphasised that this capacity-building initiative will directly contribute to safer roads in Qatar. “This course demonstrates the significance of a rigorous approach to road safety audits, equipping engineers with the expert knowledge needed to keep our roads safe.” — Commented Miguel Ángel Serrano Santos, IRF Lead Trainer.
Dr Wael K. M. Alhajyaseen, Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Centre added “Capacity building and collaboration are key to improving road safety. By working together, local authorities and international experts can share knowledge and strengthen skills to reduce traffic risks.”
“IRF is committed to advancing safer roads through knowledge exchange and technical training. This course exemplifies our mission to empower transport professionals with the latest road safety expertise.” — Gonzalo Alcaraz, Acting Director General of IRF
SATC 2025 to Open with Minister’s Address and Distinguished Plenary Line-up
The South African Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, will open the Southern Africa Transport Conference (SATC) on Monday, 7 July 2025 at the CSIR in Pretoria, South Africa.
As proud supporters of SATC, at the IRF we are looking forward to engaging discussions and innovative insights into the future of transport in Southern Africa under the conference theme, “Mobility Solutions to Southern Africa's Challenges”.
This year’s plenary speakers
Monday 7 July
Opening address: Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy
Monday 7 July
Plenary speaker: Wrenelle Stander, CEO, Wesgro
Tuesday 8 July
Prof. Filippo Tomasello, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Wednesday 9 July
Prof. Gina Porter, Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Durham University, UK.
Thursday 10 July
Closing remarks: Deputy Director General Rail, Ngwako Makapea
For more information contact:
Jacqui Oosthuyzen
info@satc.org.za
mobile: +27 83 324 9622
