Urban Development and Transportation

In this unit, you will explore the principles and practices of sustainable urban land development and integrated transportation systems. You will examine how biophysical and socio-economic data inform land capability analysis, urban planning processes, and infrastructure design — including considerations such as residential subdivision, street layout, open space planning, and urban forest integration. Key urban development issues such as population density, infill versus peripheral expansion, and servicing requirements will be addressed in the context of long-term liveability and sustainability.



The unit also focuses on transportation planning and traffic engineering, including transport demand analysis, freight movement, road safety, and traffic flow theory. You will use models such as trip generation, mode split, and trip assignment, and apply software tools like SIDRA for intersection analysis. Through these learning experiences, you will develop the technical knowledge and professional judgement to contribute to sustainable, safe, and economically effective urban and transport solutions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Analyse and evaluate data relevant to greenfield and infill urban development, including biophysical and socio-economic information;
2. Design urban development plans that incorporate land use, infrastructure, open space, and transport systems, and present detailed street layouts with appropriate servicing and traffic management;
3. Implement transport planning techniques such as traffic survey analysis, demand forecasting, modal split modelling, and signalised intersection design using relevant tools;
4. Assess urban and transport solutions against technical, environmental, economic, and social performance criteria; and
5. Collaborate in small teams and present technical documentation that reflects responsibility, professionalism, and structured communication.