The Inland Freight Route Link Flood Study (IFRLFS), conducted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in collaboration with AECOM, HARC, and NineSquared, represents a significant advancement in flood performance planning for road infrastructure. Central to this study is the development of a groundbreaking decision support tool (DST) designed to guide investment decisions for upgrading road infrastructure with a focus on flood resilience.
The DST is a powerful tool that combines approximately 105 years of continuously simulated flow data with hydraulic rating curves across 1503 crossings. By utilising advanced algorithms, the DST automatically determines upgrade concepts required to meet a flood immunity standard on a selected road section, providing immediate feedback on flood immunity changes at both individual crossings and highway sections. With its innovative design, the tool incorporates economic factors, empowering engineers and planners to develop intuitive and transparent flood resilience projects prioritised by cost-effectiveness.
The DST’s open-source nature and user-friendly, web-based design allow for continuous integration of past and future studies, creating a dynamic and evolving platform for comprehensive flood risk analysis. This feature is particularly beneficial in the context of the Inland Freight Route (IFR) as a crucial alternative to Queensland’s Bruce Highway. By equipping planners with real-time, accurate flood risk information, the DST plays a vital role in enhancing the reliability and safety of this key freight corridor.
Through the IFRLFS, TMR regional planners now have a sophisticated tool, enabling them to monitor, update, and adapt their flood resilience strategies effectively. This DST not only bolsters the resilience of the IFR but also serves as a model for developing resilient transportation networks in other flood-prone regions. The IFRLFS DST sets a new standard in flood resilience planning, demonstrating the power of integrated, technology-driven solutions in managing infrastructure challenges in the face of climate change.
