Keeping roads safe is one of local government’s biggest responsibilities – and toughest challenges.
With limited budgets and thousands of kilometres to manage, NSW councils are under constant pressure to do more with less.
But a new tool is helping councils work smarter and stay ahead of risk.
The road reality in NSW
Councils across NSW face high expectations to deliver safe, reliable roads – often with limited funding and stretched resources. This is no small task, especially when they manage around 80% of the state’s road network. That’s over 167,000 kilometres.
According to IPWEA’s 2025 Road Management Report, there’s a $164 million annual funding shortfall. And more than $5 billion in road and bridge assets are in poor to very poor condition.
NSW councils are already spending $2.9 billion on roads and bridges. Without targeted, strategic investment, that money may not go far enough. And the risks to public safety and liability will continue to increase.
With so many defects to find and fix, staying on top of it all can feel impossible.
That’s where Asset AI comes in.
Asset AI: The smarter way to manage roads
Developed by Transport for NSW in partnership with IPWEA (NSW & ACT), Asset AI turns complex data into clear insights, helping asset managers make better decisions and reduce risk.
And it’s transforming how councils identify, prioritise and repair road defects.
Think of it as a mobile road inspector that never sleeps. Asset AI uses cameras mounted on council vehicles – like garbage trucks and street sweepers – to collect road condition data as they make their regular rounds.
It maps issues like potholes and cracks, giving councils clear insights into the risks so they can prioritise repairs for those with the most significant safety impact.
So far, the software has already been used to scan roads across 12 councils and state networks in Sydney, detecting over 146,000 defects.
Predictive power and preventive action
Asset AI doesn’t only detect existing defects. It can also predict where new ones are likely to appear.
By analysing data on weather, soil, trees, land use and traffic, Asset AI creates a Defect Susceptibility Index. This index highlights roads at higher risk, so councils can act early and prevent issues before the problems grow.
Asset AI also uses vehicle sensors to deliver real-time updates on road roughness, giving councils an instant alert when something needs attention.
It’s proactive, predictive – and puts councils ahead of the curve.
Safer roads while saving time and money
For risk and asset managers, Asset AI improves efficiency without compromising accuracy or safety.
The system captures road data at traffic speed, replacing time-consuming and high-risk manual inspections. One council has already moved from annual to monthly inspections – without having to hire more staff.
Asset AI also standardises defect detection, improving consistency and reducing the need for specialised training.
Councils can now plan resurfacing and repair works from their desks – using accurate, up-to-date data to prioritise roads that need it most.
With Asset AI, responses are driven by safety impact, not guesswork. That means faster repairs. Fewer surprises. Longer-lasting roads. Lower liability risks.
And most importantly, safer communities.
Need help managing road defects? Our Roads Best Practice Manual offers practical steps to reduce risk and protect your council and community.
Want to explore Asset AI?
Book a demo or find out how to join IPWEA’s development program by contacting nathan@ipweansw.org or discuss with your Regional Risk Manager.