The National Transport Research Organisation in collaboration with the Government of Western Australia has officially launched the Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) at the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct in Neerabup, Western Australia.
Joined by Mr Peter Woronzow, Director General of Transport and Major Infrastructure, the launch event celebrated a major milestone in advancing sustainable, high-performance infrastructure across Australia and beyond.
Revolutionary Testing Capability
The new ALF can simulate decades of heavy vehicle loading in just months under controlled conditions, allowing researchers to rapidly assess the durability and sustainability of new and recycled pavement materials.
This new facility arrives at a crucial time as Australia’s transport landscape continues to rapidly evolve. With the rise of electric vehicles – from heavy freight trucks to passenger cars – plus new aircraft designs and autonomous port operations, the ALF provides the testing capacity needed to understand how these changes will affect our roads, runways, and port surfaces. The ALF also plays a vital role in evaluating recycled and low-carbon materials, directly supporting Australia’s transition to more sustainable alternatives
Importance for Western Australia
Peter Woronzow emphasised the facility's importance to Western Australia's infrastructure future, noting how the research capabilities will directly benefit the state's extensive road, port, and airport networks.
The facility positions Western Australia to address emerging challenges in transport infrastructure, including testing of recycled materials, evaluation of flood-resilient designs, and assessment of heavier vehicles - all critical for the state's vast transport networks.
Since 1984, ALF technology has been at the forefront of Australian pavement research, applying over 32 million load passes and contributing to safer, more durable roads for all Australians.
Learn more about the legacy of the ALF
