VicRoads designs and manages many roads and roadsides. Our landscaping and architectural design aims to enhance the surrounding environment. Good urban design responds to the local context and built environment.
We investigate the most appropriate sites for roads and integrate these with:
- native landscapes
- water treatment
- bridges
- facilities for cyclists and pedestrians
- public transport
To minimise impact of roads and traffic on the local community and environment, we:
- evaluate projects on environmental, social and economic grounds
- select plant species which enhance biodiversity, road safety, water conservation and aesthetics
- get input from the community during planning and design
- are supportive of public transport, pedestrian, and cyclist needs
- design bridges, landscapes, pathways, lighting and noise walls that contribute in a positive visual way to the environment
- landscape roadsides to complement the character of the broader area
- align roads to suit existing infrastructure
Roads can cause increased pollutants to enter stormwater systems and be discharged to waterways, bays and coastal waters.
Water Sensitive Road Design (WSRD) manages urban stormwater run-off. It protects water resources by improving the quality of stormwater before it reaches bays and waterways. Treatment measures, such as swales and bio-filtration systems, remove pollutants from the road run-off before they reach a receiving environment.
WSRD is integrated into project design along with pedestrian and cycle paths, and plants which promote biodiversity. VicRoads has developed guidelines for applying WSRD to the road network. Further information about Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and WSRD is available on the Melbourne Water website.