Australian John Gaffney recognised at the 2026 ITS Global Congress

MEDIA RELEASE
19 October 2026

Gangneung, South Korea – 19 October 2026: Australian intelligent transport systems pioneer John Gaffney has been inducted into the ITS World Congress Hall of Fame, recognising a lifetime of leadership, innovation and dedication to advancing intelligent transport systems in Australia and internationally.

The international honour adds to a milestone year for Mr Gaffney, who has also received the ITS Australia Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his enduring contribution to intelligent transport systems and transport outcomes.

With more than three decades dedicated to intelligent transport, John Gaffney has played a significant role in transforming the way managed motorways are planned, designed and operated. His career has included senior and specialist roles with VicRoads, Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning and Austroads.

“I accept this award on behalf of the Australian ITS community.” Said Mr Gaffney in his acceptance speech, “ITS doesn’t just control traffic. It profoundly contributes to a nation’s productivity, safety and wellbeing. It must always remain focused on serving our community’s needs.”

Among his most significant contributions has been his work championing the integrated managed motorway approach associated with Melbourne’s Monash-CityLink-West Gate upgrade, bringing together coordinated ramp metering, motorway design, traffic data, traveller information, real-time analytics and network operations. The approach helped establish a foundation for managed motorway operations in Victoria and influenced practice elsewhere in Australia and internationally.  

ITS Australia CEO Susan Harris said the Hall of Fame induction was fitting international recognition of a remarkable career.

’John has dedicated his career to making transport safer, smarter and more effective, while generously sharing his knowledge with generations of ITS professionals.’ Said Ms Harris. ‘To see him inducted into the ITS World Congress Hall of Fame, following his ITS Australia Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award, is incredibly well deserved and a very proud moment for Australia’s ITS community.’

The Hall of Fame recognition celebrates not one project or technological achievement, but the cumulative impact of a career devoted to putting intelligent transport thinking into practice.

John Gaffney’s legacy can be seen in the systems operating on Australian roads, in the technical guidance that continues to inform motorway projects, in international knowledge sharing and in the many ITS professionals he has influenced and mentored throughout his career.

Other ITS World Congress Hall of Fame 2026 inductees include Professor Phil Blyth, Professor from Newcastle University and former Chief Scientific Advisor of UK Department of Transport; and Steve Dellenback, South West Research Institute of Austin, Texas.

**ENDS**