Traffic Management for Construction Projects
There’s quite a bit of fluff and nonsense around this subject. Partly because Safework decided not to provide clear guidance. Partly because the road owner is likely to have its own rules. And partly because the traffic management companies want your business and so they claim you need them involved with all traffic work.
The facts
You do not need a traffic management plan (TMP) or traffic guidance scheme (TGS) if you are not impacting the flow of traffic or pedestrians any more than any other road user does.
Temporary, minor disruption
If you are temporarily impacting road users in a small way (e.g. unloading) then qualified traffic controllers should be used to direct traffic. A generic or site-specific TGS can be useful for the traffic controllers to use in this situation.
Temporary disruption
If you are temporarily impacting road users (e.g. closing lanes) but only for a short while then a TGS may suffice, but this level of impact is likely to need a Road Occupancy License – seek guidance from the road owner (e.g. local Council, RMS).
Significant disruption
If your impact is more significant or disruptive for longer then you will need to seek a Road Occupancy License from the road owner (e.g. local Council, RMS) and as part of this, you are likely to need to submit a TMP.
For all traffic planning
For all situations, the risks should be assessed and controls established in consultation with workers and other stakeholders. Other stakeholders could include the customer, property owner(s), tenants, or other persons who would be impacted by the works.
As soon as you want to put a person in the roadway to direct the flow of traffic they must be a trained and licensed Traffic Controller.
Summary table
| Disruption to road users / pedestrians | Example | Risk Assessment | Road Occupancy License | Traffic Control | TGS | TMP |
| No impact on the flow | Required | ** | ||||
| Short-term minor impact | Unloading | Required | Required | Useful Option | ||
| Disruptive short term impact | Lane closure for a couple of hours | Required | Required | Required | *Required | |
| Long term impact | Lane closure for days | Required | Required | Required | *Required |
** May be required to protect workers
Summary
In conclusion, you don’t need a traffic management plan or a traffic management company involved unless there is a significant disruption to the flow of traffic or pedestrians. However, since 2020 you are likely to need an RTO trained and qualified traffic controller for even minor disruptions involving directing traffic in the roadway.
Clear as mud? Give us a call and we can clarify the particular requirements for your situation. Alternatively use our free 1 hour consultation service.
