SMEC's creative application of technologies ranging from virtual reality to pacemaker lighting earned the Innovation for Excellence Award at this year’s Consult Australia. Learn how they are ‘paving’ the future of transportation.

Innovation in the engineering and construction industry is pivotal for the long-term health and success of the entire Australian economy. Bentley Systems is leading the way with innovations in generative AI and digital twin systems and are also proud to support innovation across the industry.

In a recent catch-up with David Blair, National Sector Leader for Transport Planning and Advisory at SMEC, Matt Gijselman discusses their approach to innovation, as well as the project that saw them take home the Innovation for Excellence Award at the recent 2023-24 Consult Australia Awards for Excellence. We discussed SMEC’s innovative practices and strategic thinking behind the Burnley Tunnel project in Melbourne, and how similar projects can propel the industry forward.

Pioneering Innovation with a Vision

SMEC's commitment to innovation is evident in their approach to enhancing Transurban’s Burnley Tunnel. This project aimed to go beyond traditional tunnel functions, with Transurban’s vision and concept supported by SMEC to use technology to improve capacity and driver experience, transforming it into a captivating urban landmark. “The project aimed to make the tunnel a destination in itself,” Blair said, highlighting the ambitious goal to elevate the tunnel beyond its utilitarian role to become a must-see component in Melbourne’s urban landscape.

The challenge of integrating world class technology and performance enhancements while maintaining stringent road safety standards was at the forefront of the project. The project parties, led by Transurban, were absolute in their position that safety was the overriding factor in all decisions. Ensuring that the tunnel remained a safe road for commuters while enhancing its visual appeal required a delicate balance. "Safety came first in every discussion," Blair emphasised, illustrating SMEC's commitment to upholding the highest road safety standards while exploring innovative design solutions. Demonstrating their commitment to safety, SMEC conducted extensive research that showed traffic performance and road safety could be improved through targeted upgrades including the provision of Australia’s first pacemaker lighting system.

Transurban’s introduction of the pacemaker lighting system was a key feature of the project, strategically tested and validated by SMEC to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. This system, praised for its effectiveness in maintaining consistent traffic speeds and enhancing safety, represents a significant technical achievement.

Employing Advanced Technology to Predict and Enhance Driver Experience 

A critical component of the project involved using advanced technology to predict and refine how drivers would interact with the tunnel's new features. SMEC introduced an innovative methodology, utilising a digital model of the Burnley Tunnel in virtual reality (VR). The VR played a crucial role, providing a safe and controlled environment to simulate various design changes before deployment in the real-world environment. This innovative approach allowed SMEC and Transurban to gather essential data on driver behaviour and preferences.

"Utilising VR enabled us to test how real users would react to the changes, ensuring that our innovations were both effective and positively received," said Blair. This technology proved instrumental in guiding the project's final implementation, particularly in enhancing user experience while ensuring that the team met all safety benchmarks.

Evaluating the Impact

The improvements made to the Burnley Tunnel have not only enhanced its functionality and safety, but also point the way forward on how to approach these sorts of infrastructure projects in the future. The success of this project has encouraged SMEC to consider applying similar innovative solutions to other civil infrastructure challenges. Blair shared, "The project has opened several doors for us to reimagine how we approach public infrastructure, making it more engaging and safer for everyone."

The insights gained from the Burnley Tunnel project are now being leveraged to influence SMEC’s approach to future projects. This approach includes exploring the application of advanced lighting systems and sensory technologies to other infrastructure areas, potentially transforming the way urban environments are designed and experienced.

Looking ahead, SMEC plans to utilise the lessons learned from the Burnley Tunnel to enhance future infrastructure projects across various sectors. "Applying what we've learned here to other projects will allow us to keep advancing our capabilities," said Blair. The potential for scaling these innovations to other settings is vast. Whether it is enhancing road safety, reducing congestion, or improving the aesthetic appeal of public spaces, the principles and technologies tested in the Burnley Tunnel project can provide valuable insights and solutions.

Setting Future Directions

As we continue to face new challenges in construction and engineering, the work done on the Burnley Tunnel is an inspiring example of how innovative thinking and strategic planning can lead to significant improvements in both the efficiency and enjoyment of urban infrastructure. SMEC’s efforts demonstrate that, with the right approach, even the most functional structures can be transformed into impactful and enjoyable parts of our urban environments.

Blair not only highlighted the technical achievements of Transurban’s Burnley Tunnel project, but also underscored the strategic thinking behind their approach to innovation. The project exemplifies how a focus on enhancing user experience, ensuring safety, and integrating aesthetic improvements can transform infrastructure into a destination in its own right.

This article was provided by Matt Gijselman, Director – Infrastructure Policy Advancement, Bentley Systems