Transport Innovator John Gaffney Honoured with Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award

Melbourne, 12 December, 2025 - John Gaffney, one of Australia’s most respected transport innovators and a global authority in Managed Motorways, has been awarded the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award - ITS Australia’s highest honour, recognising outstanding and enduring contributions to the advancement of intelligent transport systems (ITS).

Over a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Mr Gaffney has transformed how Australia designs, manages, and operates its urban motorway networks. His pioneering vision for Managed Motorways has reshaped traffic operations not only in Victoria but across Australia and internationally, improving safety, efficiency, and reliability for millions of road users.

A Visionary in Managed Motorway, Mr Gaffney’s groundbreaking work began with the Monash–CityLink–West Gate (M1) Upgrade Project, where he conceived and championed a holistic approach to freeway management that integrated coordinated ramp metering, traveller information, and advanced data analytics. This “Melbourne Model” for Managed Motorways has since become the foundation for all Victorian urban motorway operations and the benchmark adopted by transport agencies nationwide.

Recognising the potential of data-driven operations early on, Mr Gaffney led the development of the HERO coordinated ramp metering system in partnership with the Technical University of Crete and Queensland-based developer Transmax. The system’s exceptional performance has been recognised globally for its ability to optimise traffic flow, minimise congestion, and extend the life of existing infrastructure.

In 2016, Mr Gaffney was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, acknowledging his pioneering contributions to traffic science and operational optimisation. His influence extends beyond Australia, with managed motorway frameworks and operational principles inspired by his work now being applied in Colorado, Utah, and California.

Leadership, Mentorship, and Lasting Impact

Throughout his career with VicRoads, the Victorian Department of Transport, Austroads, ARRB, and partner organisations, Mr Gaffney has been instrumental in translating complex traffic concepts into clear, practical guidance for practitioners. His co-authored publications - including the VicRoads Managed Motorways Framework, Managed Freeways: Freeway Ramp Signals Handbook, and VicRoads Motorway Design Volume Guide - continue to shape the standards and policies that underpin Australia’s motorway operations today.

Beyond his technical achievements, Mr Gaffney is renowned as a mentor and communicator. His clarity of vision, collaborative approach, and passion for innovation have inspired generations of engineers and transport professionals in Australia and abroad.

ITS Australia CEO Susan Harris commended Mr Gaffney’s extraordinary contribution:

“John Gaffney has been the driving force behind Australia’s world-leading Managed Motorways program. His technical leadership and commitment to knowledge sharing have set new standards for how we plan and operate complex transport systems. 

John’s legacy can be seen every day on our freeways - in safer journeys, reduced congestion, and smarter road management. He is an exceptional and most deserving recipient of the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award.”

About the Award

The Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award - named in honour of Dr Maxwell Lay AM, a pioneer of Australia’s transport technology sector - recognises individuals whose leadership, vision, and innovation have profoundly advanced ITS in Australia and internationally.

Mr Gaffney will be formally presented with the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th ITS Australia Awards, to be held at The Sofitel in Melbourne on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

For more information about ITS Australia and the ITS Australia Awards, visit www.its-australia.com.au.

-----------

Media Enquiries: Robyn Box, Communications Manager 

Email: robyn.box@its-australia.com.au

Phone: +61 413 848 480 

Web: www.its-australia.com.au