Main Roads WA Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice

In December 2021, Main Roads WA released a new Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice. Let us help you learn more about these changes and what you need to do.

We have had various questions coming through to the team, so we have decided to break some of these changes within the revision down to help with any confusion.

4.2.5 Traffic Management Implementation and Removal

The Implementation, operation and/or removal of the temporary traffic management shall be considered part of the works, therefore the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) shall provide details on how this activity will be conducted safely (refer to AGTTM Part 5 and 6) including order of set up and pack down. This may require an additional Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) for the traffic management personnel to follow.

The following shall be considered:

• The requirement to remove traffic management devices in the sequence described in AGTTM Part 6
• Use of shadow vehicle for protection. Note: a shadow vehicle is only considered a shadow vehicle if it is protecting workers
• Use of a look-out person when workers are no longer protected by the shadow vehicle e.g. crossing the road or unloading the vehicle
• A Truck Mounted Attenuator may be required to protect workers
• Traffic control may be required to safely implement a lane closure or lateral shift
• Lane closures or traffic control may be required when installing temporary pavement marking or devices, such as barriers

Note: it is still the responsibility of the person undertaking the traffic management activities to be familiar with the relevant requirements detailed in AGTTM Parts 5 and 6; contents of the TMP, including TMP risk assessment, and to ensure a thorough risk assessment, e.g. Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), has been prepared that covers all site specific risks, implemented controls for the task and this is communicated and understood by all the traffic management crew.

What does this mean for you?

As a Basic Worksite Traffic Management accredited operator or Traffic Management Implementer you will notice your TMP/s will incorporate installation and removal procedures detailing the best safe practice processes as prescribed in the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM), occasionally the age-old rule of thumb ‘Outside-In and Inside-Out’ may be omitted via risk assessment, with a preference for TMI’s to complete installation and/or removal of signs and devices in a singular loop, thus reducing exposure time and the necessity for TMI’s to cross the road (for removal of paired signs) while maintaining an acceptable level of ‘confusion’ for road users, i.e. where speed signage is removed in series starting from the highest speed.

As an Advance Worksite Traffic Management accredited operator or Traffic Management Designer you have an obligation to incorporate installation and removal procedures into your TMP, with references to the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM) Part 6. Occasionally this will require an additional TGS to be developed, in particular where the use of shadow vehicles and TMA’s are required as part of the installation and pack down procedures.

Summary of Key Changes Included:

• New guidance for traffic management implementation and removal
• Clarification for pre-treatment risk ratings for workers near live traffic
• Clarification for stopping distances and queued traffic signs
• PTCD requirements updated
• New TMA guideline name change
• Warning lamp requirements added
• New guidance for shadow vehicles

What Do I Need To Do? 

As a result of the above newly released Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice, here are some recommended action or steps to take; 

1. Make sure you’ve downloaded the latest copy. See the link provided below.
2. Inform your organisation and co-workers about these recent new changes. Ensure you are all using the correct documents 
3. It is also essential to ensure all past document copies are removed from use and replaced with the latest revisions, again to avoid any confusion

Click here to download the latest version of the Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice, as well as other related Main Roads WA Codes, Guidelines and Policies:

Got Questions? 

Do you have any questions and need further assistance with any part of the newly released Main Roads WA Code of Practice Works on Roads?  Get in touch and contact us.