How to Plan, Manage and Implement Traffic Control on Your Next Project

If you’re a project manager in construction or running public events, it’s likely that your work will impact traffic flow from time to time. Traffic management is required every day across Australia to keep traffic moving around worksites and venues, from quiet back streets to major freeways and everything in between. 

Whether your project or event is happening in the middle of the CBD or in a sleepy suburb, if your work impacts pedestrians or vehicles, you’ll likely need traffic control to meet your legal requirements. But with so much to plan, manage and implement, it can be hard to know where to start. 

To achieve compliance and keep people safe, a detailed plan and the right traffic management team by your side is essential. So in this article we step you through the process. 

Step 1: Plan your traffic control works

Before you get too far into the planning side of things, it’s a good idea to make sure you are crystal clear on the scope of works, site conditions and the impact your project or event will have on traffic. For example, will you need to alter traffic conditions? If so, how? You’ll also need to consider the type of road or pathway, as this will help you identify the relevant road authority. 

From there, you can more easily discover what type of documentation is required. If you’re not sure, contact the relevant road authority, which will be VicRoads (in Victoria) or your local council to find out. Once you know the type of permits and documentation you need, you’re ready to plan out the works. A key consideration here is to check the lead times on applications and approvals, as you’ll need to arrange all the necessary paperwork before any works can commence.

Step 2: Managing the works

Once you have a clearer picture on what you’ll need, it’s time to assess what you can manage yourself and what needs to be outsourced to a traffic management company. Do you have the in-house expertise to apply to the correct road authority for the correct permits? And who will prepare your Traffic Management Plan (if required)? Keep in mind that if your plans and applications are not completed 100% correctly, it can lead to fines and penalties, not to mention compromise the safety of your team and members of the public. 

If you‘ve already arranged the correct permits and your Traffic Management Plan is ready to go, you might only need to engage traffic management services to hire qualified personnel and equipment. However, if not, it’s likely best to opt for a full project management service that includes every aspect, so you know you’re covered.

Step 3: Implementing traffic control on site

Once you know which parts you are handling in-house and which will be outsourced externally, you’ll need to engage an experienced, qualified traffic management company. Choosing someone who has a proven track record and lots of experience is clearly desirable, but on top of this you should aim to engage a company that offers a complete suite of services and has existing relationships with local councils and road authorities. That way, the traffic management on site at your project or event will run smoothly in the background, so you and your team can focus on getting your job done hassle-free.

Traffic control can be easy

While there is a lot involved in planning, managing and implementing traffic management, when you take it step-by-step you’ll avoid the potential stress and issues that can arise when things go wrong. Start with a clear picture of what you need, work out what you can do yourself, then find an experienced and qualified traffic control company to work with you to fill the gaps and keep your worksite or event location safe. Find the right traffic management team and follow this process and it can be easy!

To find out how we can help with traffic management on your next project, get in touch with our team on 03 8592 8130 today.