Traffic management

Good traffic management is key to achieving the department's goal of a safe and efficient road network for Queensland. To ensure the safety of road users, traffic control and road work personnel in construction zones around the state, it is essential to maintain effective traffic management training, registration procedures and specifications.

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)

Managing traffic management

To ensure effective traffic management on our projects, the department specifies the training required for traffic management personnel, and registration for traffic management companies. The department also outlines the requirements for traffic management in a variety of technical documents and specifications.

For more information on these areas, follow the links below.

• Traffic management training 
• Traffic management registration scheme 
• Traffic management specifications