What is a Swept Path Assessment?

A swept path assessment or a swept path analysis is a diagram or a collection of diagrams indicating the path taken by a certain vehicle when undertaking various movements such as three point turns, U-turns or right turns. These diagrams mimic the path followed by the body and chassis of vehicles during these movements. The intention of swept path diagrams is to analyse and confirm that vehicles are able to stay clear of hazards such as fixed objects and road users when undertaking manoeuvres. 

Local councils or road authorities often request swept path assessments when planning new developments, particularly when car parks, driveways, access roads of these developments are shared amongst various users. Swept paths are also required when construction sites are expected to generate a regular flow of heavy vehicles during a certain long-term construction activity. 

Swept path assessments are prepared using various design vehicle templates outlined in Austroads Guidelines and Australian Standards and are drawn using professional engineering drafting software. Traffic engineers understand the most appropriate class of vehicle suited for your development. 

Factors such as the speed of the vehicle, vehicle type, width of the vehicle accessways or even external factors such as weather conditions affect the outcome of a swept path assessment. As external factors such as weather conditions or pavement conditions are unable to be captured in a simulation, a worst-case scenario is presented in each swept path analysis. 

Experienced traffic engineers of RedSquare Traffic are able to produce high-quality swept path assessments to assist with planning applications, construction traffic management plans or for any other activity which requires swept path assessments.  Call us on 03 7036 6734 to request a quotation. 

These services may also interest you:

• Traffic Impact Assessments
• Parking Demand Assessments
• Road Safety Audits

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