The Road Design working group serves as a Nordic platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of best practices in the design of roads and streets. The group’s overarching objective is to promote road infrastructure that meets the demands of the future, fosters inclusive mobility, and addresses the escalating challenges posed by climate change.

The working period of the Road Design working group will be carried out between July 2024 and June 2028. The group will be led by Finland, which will serve as the coordinating country during the entire working period. The working group will comprise approximately 70 professionals, representing a broad range of expertise from all Nordic countries.

A cross-cutting theme guiding all activities and discussions will be Climate and Environment, reflecting the group’s commitment to sustainable and future-proof road design.

Key Focus Areas

Universal Design

The transport system should be accessible to all users, including older people, children and individuals with functional impairments. The working group will focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly in high-speed environments, to ensure that infrastructure supports safe and inclusive mobility.

Urban Design

Evolving urban areas are bringing new challenges to road design. The working group will examine how to accommodate emerging vehicle types, manage traffic flows in smaller urban areas, improve road user interactions and integrate efficient logistics solutions for goods delivery. Special attention will be given to designing urban spaces that balance traffic efficiency with sustainability and livability.

Future Requirements for Road Design

Automation and digitalisation are reshaping road infrastructure. The working group will explore how road design can support driver assistance systems, lane-keeping technologies and the safe integration of automated vehicles in different environments, from motorways to city streets. Special focus will be placed on how geometric solutions and lane width impact accessibility and traffic flow.

Climate-Adaptive Solutions

The impacts of climate change pose new challenges for road design. The working group will explore how to adapt infrastructure to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and stormwater management. Solutions will focus on resilient road materials, drainage systems and flood prevention to ensure long-term road sustainability.

Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
• 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
• 13 Climate Action
• 15 Life on Land