Global development of the HDM5 platform officially underway

On 31st July 2025 The World Bank formally announced that the development of HDM5 is now underway.

"Although the HDM - in all its versions through the years – has proven to be an important resource, it needs an upgrade. Over the past two decades, there have been rapid advancements in vehicle technology, pavement materials, design and construction techniques, and growing concerns over climate resilience and road safety. In response, we are pleased to announce that work of the 5th iteration of HDM officially kicked off on June 25, 2025, with the first release expected in 2027."

Writes Wenxin Qiao from the World Bank.

The next phase of the software will be developed through a knowledge partnership between the World Bank and the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).

“Our vision for HDM-5 is to transform it into a dynamic and accessible platform that empowers decision-makers across the globe. By embedding sustainability, safety, and digital flexibility at its core, we’re creating a tool that truly meets the transport challenges of tomorrow delivered with the usability and scalability expected of modern software.”

writes Subu Kamal, Head of Product, TRL Software

At HDMGlobal we are proud to have been at the centre of HDM-4 delivery for the past 20 years, and look forward to one of our partners, TRL, taking the leading role to develop the next iteration of the HDM software that has served the global transport network so well in the past with many success stories.

References:

World Bank: Global Development of the HDM5 Platform Officially Underway

TRL: TRL | TRL and World Bank announce HDM-5 to Revolutionise Global Road Infrastructure Planning