Austroads has released a 10-Part Guide to Temporary Traffic Management to improve the safety and efficiency of temporary traffic management on road worksites across Australia and New Zealand.

It is estimated that around 250,000 people and more than 800 companies provide temporary traffic management services in Australia alone.

Temporary traffic management creates safe work areas for construction, maintenance and other activities occuring on or near a road. Safety is most commonly achieved by using traffic control devices like signs, signals, pavement markings, traffic islands, or other devices installed with the approval of a road agency.

Austroads’ Chief Executive, Nick Koukoulas, says the publication was a four-year collaborative project between Austroads, Australasian transport agencies and industry.

“Temporary traffic management is a high-risk activity and the Guide encourages consistent planning and streamlined safe work practices. It applies to all works on roads and near roads, in addition to off-road development and other activities that impact on road operations,” Koukoulas said.

Specialised planning and design guidance is provided for static worksites, mobile worksites and short term low impact worksites.

“This Guide is a valuable first step in improving the safety of road workers and users across urban and rural areas and various road types from motorways to unsealed roads,” said Koukoulas.

“Although local conditions and circumstances may sometimes require unique or innovative approaches, most works can be well accommodated by the approaches outlined." 

Download the Guide to Temporary Traffic Management: