SC6.4.4 - Design specification and standard drawings - Geometric road design

Oct 23, 2026

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SC6.4.4 provides detailed specifications for designing roads using street-design principles to improve safety, amenity, and reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. It defines the purpose, scope, aims, and terminology for road networks within subdivisions, including vehicle-speed determination, integration with transport functions, and guidance for adoption of Complete Streets principles in specified Townsville contexts. It also lists governing reference documents and required definitions for road-reserve components.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages68

Reading Time2 h 51 min

AccessFree to download

Geometric road design

Introduction

Purpose

Scope

Aims

Terminology

Reference and source documents

SC6.4.4 Design specification and standard drawings SC[6.4.4.1](6.4.4.1) Geometric road design SC6 .4.4.1.1 Introduction (1) Purpose (a) This sub section sets out the specifications developed specifically for the design of roads using principles of street design to ensure safety and improved amenity and to reduce pedestrian/vehicular conflicts. (b) A fundamental requirement of the design process is for designers to determine the vehicle speed which is deemed acceptable for a particular subdivision or section of road. (c ) All relevant design principles must be integrated in the development of the road network, recognising the primary role of roads for transport function. (d) The objective of road design is to recognise the carrying of through traffic. (e) The objectives of street design are to recognise improving safety and security, increase vitality and interaction, reduce private motor vehicle dependence, improve development efficiency, provide valuable community space and retain economic activity in communities. (2) Scope (a) This specification must be read in conjunction with the IPWEAQ publication Complete Streets: Guidelines for Urban Street Design, with limited adoption in Townsville as follows: (i) in areas with close nexus to CBD, and in areas where higher densities are encouraged and it can be demonstrated that there is high access and potential use of public transport, then a full adoption of Complete Streets while tying into existing road and street networks. For infill development and upgrades in these areas, development is to be in line with Complete Streets principles of pedestrian and cyclist friendly environments, encouraging developments that engage with active street frontages; (ii) new, large, master planned developments are to adopt Complete Streets, although they will be required to recognise the particular role of public transport as an alternative to moving people between these sites and other areas of Townsville. Designs should emphasise pedestrian and cyclist movements, and allow for retrofitting of public transport options in the future, if and when they become viable; (iii) other developments are to adopt updated cross sections and road hierarchy, and apply priorities inline with Complete Streets, but layout is to be adapted to tie into existing road and street networks, recognising high car dependence, and lack of containment opportunities, where commercial centres, schools and retail facilities are not proposed within the development; and (iv) curvilinear street designs are to be avoided wherever practical, with a focus on the grid structure in accordance with Complete Streets and requirements of Townsville City Plan. (3) Aims A road system within a subdivision is to be designed so as to achieve the following aims: (a) to provide convenient and safe access to all allotments for pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists; (b) to provide safe, logical and hierarchical transport linkages with existing street system, including consideration of crime prevention in streets, bikeways and pathways; (c ) to provide appropriate access for buses, emergency and service vehicles; (d) to provide both a permeable and legible street network; (e) to provide for a quality product that minimises maintenance costs; (f) to allow for public utilities; (g) to provide an opportunity for visual amenity, e.g. street landscaping; (h) to provide convenient parking for visitors; (i) to provide connecting streets and places through permeable networks without any corresponding increase in vehicle speeds or "rat runs"; and (j) to have appropriate regard for the climate, geology and topography of the area. (4) Terminology For the purpose of this sub section the definition of terms used to define the components of the road reserve must be in accordance with these AS 1348 terms. Carriageway that portion of the road or bridge devoted particularly to the use of vehicles, inclusive

FAQs

What is the purpose of this design subsection (SC6.4.4.1)?

It sets design specifications for roads based on street-design principles to ensure safety and improved amenity while reducing pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. It also requires designers to determine an acceptable vehicle speed for each road section or subdivision.

How is the scope of adoption described for Townsville?

The specification is to be read with Complete Streets guidelines, with limited adoption in certain CBD-adjacent and high-density areas where public transport access and use are demonstrated. It also addresses how master planned developments, other developments, and curvilinear street designs should be handled.

Which standards and documents are referenced?

It cites council specifications and drawings, multiple Australian Standards (including AS 1348, AS 1428, AS 1742, AS 2890, AS/NZS 3845), QLD transport and planning resources, Austroads guides, and other Queensland government materials related to active healthy communities and health determinants.

Oct 23, 2026

Upload by James