Traffic Management Plan
A Traffic Management Plan is a document that details how road and pedestrian traffic is directed around a work site to ensure safety. In Australia, it is required under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and must comply with AS 1742 standards.
A written plan that details how road users will be directed around a work site to ensure safety for workers and the public.
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About this Document
A Traffic Management Plan is a written document that outlines how vehicles, pedestrians and workers will move safely around a work site. This document is essential for any business or tradesperson conducting work on or near a public road or footpath in Australia. If your work impacts how traffic flows, you must have a plan to manage it. This includes building construction, road works, utility maintenance, tree lopping or anything that blocks a lane or sidewalk. The primary goal of the plan is to minimise the risk of injury or death to workers and the public. It also helps prevent damage to vehicles and property. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace is safe. This includes managing traffic risks. You cannot simply put out a few signs and hope for the best. You need a structured approach to identify hazards and control them. In Australia, most states and territories refer to the Australian Standards AS 1742 series for traffic control. Specifically, AS 1742.3 covers traffic control for works on roads. This standard sets out the rules for signage, lane closures and pedestrian management. Your plan must align with these standards. It should also meet the specific requirements of your local road authority. Main roads departments usually have their own guidelines and approval processes. You often need to submit your plan to the council or state authority before you start work. If you do not have a valid plan, you can face heavy fines or have your work shut down. The document is not just for large construction sites. A plumber digging a trench on a nature strip or an electrician working from a cherry picker on a residential street needs a plan too. Even small jobs create risks. A driver might not see a hole in the ground or a worker stepping onto the road. The Traffic Management Plan helps you think about these risks before they cause an accident. It forces you to consider the layout of the site, the placement of signs and the flow of traffic. Creating the plan involves a few key steps. First, you must assess the site. Look at the speed limit, the volume of traffic, the visibility and the road condition. Think about the time of day you will be working. Rush hour is riskier than quiet times. Next, you identify the hazards. These might include moving cars, deep excavations, heavy machinery or pedestrians trying to walk around the site. Once you know the hazards, you must implement control measures. The hierarchy of controls applies here. You should try to eliminate the hazard first. If you can close the road completely, that is safer than keeping it open. If elimination is not possible, you must minimise the risk. This is done using engineering controls like physical barriers, bollards and concrete separators. Administrative controls are also important. These include using trained traffic controllers, setting up speed limits and supervising the site. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence. All workers on site must wear high visibility clothing. Hard hats, steel capped boots and hearing protection are also standard requirements. The plan must be easy to read. It should include a site map or diagram. This diagram shows the location of signs, barriers, pedestrian pathways and work zones. It should show where the traffic controllers will stand. The text part of the plan needs to explain the sequence of setup and removal. You cannot just dump the signs on the side of the road. There is a specific order to place them so drivers get enough warning. For example, on a 60 km/h road, the first warning sign might need to be 100 metres before the hazard. The plan must also detail emergency procedures. What happens if a car crashes into the work zone? How do you get an ambulance in? You need a clear exit route for emergency vehicles. Communication is vital. The plan should list who is responsible for traffic management on site. Usually, this is a designated Traffic Management Supervisor. They must hold the correct qualifications. In most states, this means having a certificate from a registered training organisation (RTO) for traffic control. The supervisor needs to be on site while work is happening. They must ensure the plan is followed. If conditions change, like the weather turns bad or traffic builds up, the supervisor might need to alter the plan. However, any major change usually needs approval from the road authority. Do not confuse a Traffic Management Plan with a generic Safety Plan. While they are related, the Traffic Management Plan focuses specifically on the interaction between road users and the work site. It is a subset of your overall Work Health and Safety (WHS) management system. You should keep the plan on site at all times. Inspectors from SafeWork or the local council can ask to see it. If you cannot produce it, you are breaking the law. The plan must be available to all workers. They need to read it and understand their role. You should include it in your toolbox talk before work starts. Common mistakes to avoid include copying a plan from a previous job without checking if it fits the current site. Every site is different. A plan that worked on a quiet street might be dangerous on a busy highway. Another mistake is using the wrong signs or placing them too close together. This confuses drivers. Failing to provide a safe path for pedestrians is also a major error. You must not force people onto the road. If the footpath is blocked, you must create a temporary pedestrian corridor with barriers. Failing to secure the site at night is another issue. If you leave the site unattended, you must remove the signs or secure the area properly. Leaving signs up when there is no work happening is illegal because it misleads drivers. From a tax and business perspective, the cost of preparing a Traffic Management Plan is a legitimate business expense. You can claim deductions for the cost of signs, equipment and hiring qualified traffic controllers. You should keep records of these expenses for the Australian Tax Office (ATO). If you are a company, ensure your directors are aware of their duties under the Corporations Act 2001. They can be personally liable for workplace safety breaches. In summary, a Traffic Management Plan is a legal requirement for anyone working near roads in Australia. It protects your workers, the public and your business. It is not just paperwork. It is a practical tool to manage real risks. To create a compliant plan, you must understand the site, follow the Australian Standards, get the necessary approvals and train your staff. Taking shortcuts here is not worth the risk.
Key Facts
- A PCBU must manage risks to the health and safety of workers and other people arising from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking.— Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
- Traffic control devices must be placed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards, specifically AS 1742.3 for works on roads.— Safe Work Australia
- Traffic controllers must be accredited and hold a valid qualification issued by a registered training organisation.— State Road Authorities
- High visibility safety garments must comply with AS/NZS 4602.1 for high risk applications.— Standards Australia / AS/NZS 4602.1
- Businesses can claim tax deductions for the cost of safety equipment and traffic management services used to generate income.— Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Directors have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complies with its work health and safety obligations.— Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
Sources
Required Sections
Project Details
Basic information about the work site and project.
Project Details
Project Name Enter the specific name of the job. This must match the name used on the contract and any internal purchase orders. If this work is part of a larger infrastructure project, use the reference code provided by the principal contractor or the Local Council.
Site Address Record the full street address of the work site. Be precise. Include the suburb, state, and postcode. For long stretches of road works, list the start and end intersection points. For example, 'Smith Street, beginning at Jones Avenue and ending at Brown Road'. If the work occurs at a specific landmark or bridge, list that name clearly. This information is required for site identification by emergency services and authorities.
Client Details List the full name of the entity paying for the work. This might be a Local Council, a State Road Authority (like Roads and Maritime Services in NSW or VicRoads in Victoria), or a private developer. Include a contact name and phone number for the site representative. The Australian Work Health and Safety Act requires you to identify the client to clarify duties of care. Knowing who controls the workplace is essential for safety compliance.
Proposed Work Dates Specify the planned start date and the estimated completion date for the traffic management setup. Include the specific working hours. For example, '0700 to 1700, Monday to Friday'. You must state if night work or weekend work is scheduled. This is critical because noise restrictions and traffic management requirements often change outside standard business hours. Ensure these dates align with any conditions set by the Local Council or the roads authority.
Description of Works Describe the specific tasks taking place. Keep it clear and factual. Do not write vague statements. Use trade-specific language but avoid unnecessary jargon. Examples include 'Asphalt resurfacing of the northbound lane', 'Installation of a new water main across the carriageway', or 'Line marking and signage upgrades'.
You must detail how this work impacts the road user. Will a lane be closed? Will there be a speed reduction? Will pedestrians be diverted? This description underpins the Traffic Guidance Scheme. It is used to determine the correct traffic control devices according to AS 1742.3 (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices). For major projects, reference the relevant State road management guidelines. This description helps the accredited Traffic Management Designer select the right level of control to protect workers and the public.
Risk Assessment
Identification of hazards and control measures.
Traffic management on construction or work sites involves significant risks that must be managed systematically to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Potential Hazards
Work sites create dangerous interactions between people and machinery. The most common hazards include collisions between moving vehicles and pedestrians, particularly where heavy plant enters or exits the site. Workers on foot are at risk of being struck by reversing vehicles, trucks delivering materials, or cars moving through the work zone. Other hazards include limited visibility for drivers and machinery operators, uneven ground causing loss of control, and workers being distracted or fatigued. Members of the public walking near the site may also enter the work zone unintentionally, putting themselves in immediate danger.
Control Measures
Control measures must follow the hierarchy of controls, prioritising elimination and engineering solutions before relying on administrative controls or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Physical Separation Physical barriers are the most effective way to protect pedestrians. Use concrete water-filled barriers, bollards, or high visibility fencing to separate vehicle routes from pedestrian walkways. If complete separation is not possible, establish a clear exclusion zone around moving plant. Use traffic cones and bollards to define the work area and keep the public out.
Signage and Speed Management Clear signage is essential for warning drivers and pedestrians of hazards. Install warning signs such as "Road Work Ahead", "Men at Work", and "Prepare to Stop" well in advance of the work area to give drivers adequate time to react. Speed limits must be reduced appropriately based on the site conditions. Use speed reduction signs and, where necessary, physical devices like speed humps or rumble strips to enforce lower speeds.
Traffic Controllers and PPE For complex or high-risk environments, employ accredited Traffic Controllers wearing high visibility uniforms to stop and direct traffic safely. These controllers must manage traffic flow to protect workers entering or exiting the site. All workers on site must wear high visibility clothing compliant with Australian Standards to ensure they are seen by machinery operators and drivers.
Relevant Legislation and Standards
All traffic management plans must comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017. Specifically, follow the Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice. Technical guidance is provided in AS 1742.3 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which outlines the requirements for signage and traffic control at work sites. Adherence to these standards is not optional and is a requirement under Australian law.
Traffic Setup
Specific details on sign placement and device usage.
Place traffic control devices in a specific order to give drivers enough time to react and slow down safely. Start the setup from the first warning sign and work backwards towards the work site. Never place signs in a random order or start near the job and move away.
The sequence must follow the speed limit and the nature of the work. Begin with the Warning Sign. On high speed roads over 60 km/h, use three advance warning signs spaced according to the distances in the relevant tables of AS 1742.3. For lower speed urban areas, one or two signs may suffice. The first sign should be a standard diamond shape like Road Work Ahead or the specific hazard warning.
Follow the warning signs with the Speed Reduction Sign. If workers are close to traffic, you must reduce the speed limit. Place signs to drop the speed in stages. A common approach is to move from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, then 40 km/h. Do not drop the speed by more than 20 km/h at a time. Ensure the speed limit stays in force until the driver passes the hazard.
Next is the Traffic Guidance Sign, such as a Left or Right Arrow. Place this where the driver needs to change lanes or move position. On straight roads, this sign points to the safe path around the work zone.
Place physical Traffic Control Devices immediately after the guidance signs. Use road cones to define the edge of the lane or the work area. Cones must be a minimum of 450mm high for speeds under 60 km/h and 700mm high for speeds over 60 km/h. Space cones evenly so they look like a solid wall or line to the driver. The distance between cones depends on the speed, but a maximum spacing of 20 metres is standard for open roads. Do not leave large gaps.
Use Tamper-Proof Barriers or plastic water-filled barriers if the work poses a high risk to workers or if there is a drop-off. These barriers physically stop a vehicle from entering the work zone. They must be interlocked and weighted down.
Place a ** pedestrian barrier** if footpaths are closed or narrowed. Direct pedestrians to a safe temporary path away from the traffic flow.
Finally, position an End Road Work Sign or speed limit reinstatement sign where the traffic can return to the normal speed and road conditions. Remove this sign last when packing up.
All setups must comply with AS 1742.3 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. You must also follow any specific state road authority guidelines such as those from Transport for NSW or VicRoads. Always perform a risk assessment before setup to determine the exact spacing and device requirements for the site.
Pedestrian Management
Plan for footpath and pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian Management
The safety of the public and workers is the main priority during all construction and maintenance activities. This section outlines the controls used to separate pedestrians from mobile plant and vehicles. All measures comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and the Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace.
Pedestrian Routes
Pedestrians must be directed along routes that keep them away from the work zone. Wherever possible, existing footpaths will remain open. If an existing path is obstructed, a temporary diversion will be established. This diversion must be wide enough for the expected volume of foot traffic, including parents with prams or mobility aids. Under AS 1428.1 (Design for Access and Mobility), a clear path of travel with at least 1 metre of unobstructed width must be maintained.
Temporary Walkways
Where work takes place on or near a roadway, temporary walkways will be installed. These walkways provide a safe buffer between traffic and pedestrians. They will be delineated using bollards or traffic cones and high-visibility tape. The surface of the temporary walkway must be level, stable, and free of trip hazards such as loose cables or debris. If a step cannot be avoided, it must be clearly marked with yellow paint and tactile indicators to prevent trips and falls.
Barricades and Signage
Physical barriers are essential to prevent unauthorised entry into the work area. We will use type 2 or type 3 barricades to secure the site perimeter. These barriers create a clear visual and physical boundary. Hazard tape will be used on barricades to warn the public of dangers. All signs must comply with AS 1742.3 (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices). Signs will be placed to give pedestrians adequate warning of the work ahead and direct them to the safe route. Signs must be clean, upright, and clearly visible at all times.
Night Work and Lighting
If work is conducted at night or in low light conditions, the risk to pedestrians increases significantly. All temporary walkways, barricades, and diversion routes will be illuminated. We will use floodlights with glare guards to ensure the path is well lit without blinding pedestrians or passing drivers. Lighting levels must be sufficient for the pedestrian to see surface hazards. Static warning lights, such as flashing amber lights on bollards, will be activated to highlight the edges of the work zone. Reflective sleeves on bollards and cones will improve visibility for vehicle headlights.
Inspection and Maintenance
A competent person will inspect all pedestrian management measures at the start of each shift and throughout the day. This includes checking that barricades have not been knocked over, signs are still visible, and lighting is functioning correctly. Any damage or displacement will be fixed immediately to maintain a safe environment.
Site Map
Visual representation of the traffic scheme.
Site Map Requirements
Prepare a detailed diagram of the work site. This map is a visual guide for traffic controllers, workers, and the public. It must show exactly how you will manage traffic, pedestrians, and the work crew. You must draft this plan before work starts.
Use a clean sheet of paper or a digital template. Start by drawing the road layout. Include the location of kerbs, medians, and any islands. Mark the number of traffic lanes in each direction and their approximate widths. If there are driveways or side streets nearby, draw these in. Show the direction of travel for all vehicles.
Clearly define the Work Zone. Use hatched lines or a solid boundary to show where the work crew and machinery will operate. This area must be separate from the flow of traffic. Next, mark the Road Space available for cars and trucks. If you are closing a lane, show the taper and the merging point.
Place all signs on the map according to their sequence. Start with the first warning sign placed at the required distance back from the work site. This distance depends on the speed limit. You must calculate this using tables in the Guide to Traffic Management Part 3: Traffic Management and Control. Draw every sign in the correct order. Include speed limit signs, road work signs, and any portable traffic lights. If you use traffic cones or barriers, mark where the line starts and ends.
Include a separate path for pedestrians. If the footpath is closed, you must provide a safe alternative route. Draw this temporary path clearly. Ensure it keeps pedestrians away from the work zone and moving traffic. The map must show any barriers or hoardings protecting the pedestrians. This ensures you meet the duties under the Work Health and Safety Act regarding the safety of others.
Label every item on the map. Use standard abbreviations found in Australian Standards. Include a legend if necessary. You must also show the positions of all Traffic Controllers. Note if they are using Stop/Slow bats or managing traffic lights.
The final plan must comply with AS 1742.3-2019 (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices). This standard sets out the exact requirements for site diagrams. Keep a copy of this map in the site vehicle and at the main office. Ensure every worker reviews the map before they start. Update the map immediately if the site conditions change.
Emergency Procedures
Actions to take in an emergency.
Emergency Contacts
Immediate communication is critical during an incident. Site management must maintain a current list of emergency phone numbers at the traffic control base. All traffic controllers and on-site personnel must have access to this list. The following contacts must be visibly displayed on the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) diagrams and notice boards.
- Emergency Services: Dial 000. Request Police, Fire, or Ambulance based on the incident type.
- Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulator: Contact Safe Work Australia or the relevant state or territory regulator, such as SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe Victoria, to report serious incidents or notifiable matters.
- Traffic Management Company: Contact the accredited Traffic Guidance Supervisor (TGS) or the contract manager immediately to arrange additional resources or shutdown procedures.
- Client or Principal Contractor: Notify the site supervisor or project manager to coordinate with other site operations and emergency services liaison.
Site supervisors must update these records before work commences if personnel or site locations change.
Evacuation Point and Emergency Vehicle Route
The work site must maintain clear and dedicated access for emergency vehicles at all times. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and relevant state codes of practice, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that emergency routes are effective and safe.
Emergency Vehicle Route Identify a specific lane or corridor through the traffic control setup for ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles. This route must have a vertical clearance suitable for heavy vehicles and remain free of obstructions, materials, and parked machinery. Traffic controllers must be briefed on the procedure to priority-guide emergency vehicles through the site. If the work site blocks the only road access, you must provide a detour or temporary road around the obstruction that can support the weight of emergency vehicles.
Evacuation Point for Personnel Designate a safe assembly area for all workers, pedestrians, and traffic controllers. This point must be located away from the traffic flow, clear of hazardous materials or structures, and at a safe distance from the road carriageway.
When selecting the location, refer to AS 1742.3 - Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 3: Traffic Control for Works on Roads. The evacuation point must provide a safe refuge where workers are protected from moving traffic while accounting for site. The location must allow for an easy headcount and ensure that emergency responders can access the group without entering the active hazard zone.
Mark the evacuation point clearly with signage or cones. During an evacuation, all personnel must proceed to this point immediately and remain there until the Site Supervisor or Emergency Warden issues the all-clear. Do not re-enter the site to collect personal items or tools until authorised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Traffic Management Plan?
When do I need a Traffic Management Plan?
Is a Traffic Management Plan legally required in Australia?
What is AS 1742.3?
Do I need a licensed traffic controller?
How far apart should traffic signs be?
Can I write the plan myself?
Who pays for the traffic management?
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