What is Traffic Management?
Traffic management refers to the direction, control, and supervision of all vehicular and pedestrian traffic around a construction zone, thus ensuring the safety of construction workers and the general public.
The level of traffic management required for a project may depend on a variety of factors, including the location and complexity of the works. Projects in busier, built up areas may require a higher level of traffic management, as motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and workers interact with heavy equipment.
There are numerous ways to control the risks associated with working on or near roads. The following are examples of traffic control measures that may be considered:
- Road closures
- Footpath closures
- Detours
- Signing and speed reductions
- Traffic controllers
Speed reductions are put in place for either of two reasons:
- To protect workers who are working close to traffic
- To protect road users when road conditions have been changed (for example, reduced lane widths or changed road surfaces)
All this is put together when a Traffic Management Plan is designed for specific projects and many forms of public or private notifications can be sent out in advance of these construction sites being implemented to aid congestion and unwanted traffic traveling through the works areas. (see our Traffic Management Plans section for more information).
