Apply for road works on a state-controlled road

You must get approval from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) before carrying out road works on a state-controlled road.

Road works can include:

• a new or changed driveway or vehicular access
• road upgrades
• intersection upgrades
• public transport infrastructure
• traffic management measures
• drainage works
• parking facilities.

TMR assesses road works to make sure they are safe and do not affect the efficient operation of the state-controlled road network.

Road works associated with development

The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) may require road works as part of a development approval.

These works may be a condition of approval for a development application referred to SARA.

Road works outside the development process

You can also apply for road works outside the development assessment process.

For example, you may need approval for a new or changed vehicle access to a state-controlled road.

For information about driveways and vehicle access approvals, see Driveways and associated road works within a state-controlled road.

Before you start

You must obtain TMR approval before starting any works on a state-controlled road.

Follow the steps below to apply.

Step 1: Check if the works are on a state-controlled road

Use the Queensland Government Development Assessment Mapping System (DAMS) to check whether your proposed works are located on a state-controlled road.

1. Open DAMS.
2. Go to SARA DA mapping.
3. Select State transport.
4. Select State transport corridor.
5. Tick State-controlled road.
6. Search for the property address.
7. Zoom in to view the map and layer information.

If the works are on a state-controlled road, continue to Step 2.

If the works are not on a state-controlled road, you will need to contact the road owner (for example a Local Government Authority) regarding their requirements for a road works application.

Step 2: Prepare your application

You must provide plans certified by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).

The plans must show how the proposed works:

• meet the requirements of TMR's Road Planning and Design Manual and any approval conditions
• will not create a safety issue.

Supporting information may include:

• horizontal and vertical alignment
• cross-sections
• property access
• drainage design
• pavement design
• signs and pavement markings
• services and utility relocations
• sight distances and locations
• speed environment
• safety assessments
• estimated construction costs.

Additional requirements for new or changed vehicular access

If your application involves a new or changed vehicle access, provide construction drawings showing:

• the proposed access location
• driveway crossover type and width
• vehicle swept paths for the largest design vehicle
• compliance with local government driveway standards
• available sight lines
• access surface details
• access grades
• nearby roadside infrastructure, utilities and street trees
• estimated construction costs
• existing road damage, supported by photographs where relevant
• compliance with TMR standard drawings and specifications.

Application requirements may vary depending on the location and scope of the works.

Contact your local TMR office if you are unsure what information to include.

Step 3: Choose the correct application form

Complete the form that applies to your situation.

Submit the completed form, supporting documents and RPEQ-certified plans to the relevant TMR office or through the PARC portal.

Other road work activities and Public Utility Provider approvals

Approval from TMR does not replace approvals required by Public Utility Providers (PUPs).

If your project affects utility infrastructure (both underground and above ground), you will need to obtain separate approvals from the relevant utility provider.

This may include situations where:

• existing utility assets need to be protected, modified or relocated
• new or upgraded utility infrastructure is proposed within the road corridor.

Utility provider approvals are managed through separate processes and timeframes.

Importantly, proponents should not assume that obtaining TMR approval for access or road works addresses these requirements

If your project involves utility infrastructure, contact the relevant provider early to understand their requirements and approval timeframes.

You may also need separate approval for other activities within a state-controlled road corridor, including ancillary structures and road corridor works.

For more information, see:

• Road corridor permits
• Utilities and utility providers.

Step 4: What happens after you apply

Allow time for assessment

Assessment time will vary depending on the complexity of the proposal and the information provided.

After you submit your application, TMR will either:

• acknowledge receipt of your application
• request further information if required
• approve your application with conditions
• refuse your application.

If your application is approved

TMR will issue a Letter of Conditional Approval.

The letter outlines the conditions you must meet before work can begin. It will also explain how to demonstrate compliance with those conditions.

You may be required to notify relevant stakeholders before starting work.

Information you may need to provide

Your approval conditions will typically require:

• a Deed of Indemnity for road works on a state-controlled road (Form 5109)
• an Appointment of Principal Contractor Notice (Form 5084).

Depending on the project, you may also need to provide:

• a performance bond
• pavement design details
• construction and environmental management plans
• a traffic management plan
• a traffic control permit.

Step 5: Attend a pre-start meeting

Once you have met the relevant conditions in the Letter of Conditional Approval, you may be required to attend a pre-start meeting before construction begins.

The meeting helps ensure that all parties understand:

• the scope of the works
• project requirements
• safety obligations
• roles and responsibilities.

The requirement for a pre-start meeting will be outlined in your approval conditions.

Step 6: Obtain an Authority to Commence Works letter

Before construction can begin, you must meet all conditions of approval.

Once all requirements have been satisfied, you can request an Authority to Commence Works (ACW) letter from TMR.

The ACW letter confirms that:

• all approval conditions have been met
• required permits and documents have been provided
• construction may begin.

Do not start work until you have received an ACW letter.

Step 7: Submit completion documents

When construction is complete, you must provide all required practical completion documents to TMR.

This may include:

• construction drawings
• testing results
• other documents required under your approval conditions.

TMR cannot accept the works as practically complete until all required documents have been assessed.

Step 8: On-maintenance inspection

TMR may inspect the completed works to confirm they meet approved standards and specifications.

If the works are accepted, TMR will issue an on-maintenance letter.

TMR inspections are risk-based and not exhaustive. The inspection does not remove the responsibilities of the applicant, contractor or Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ). It also does not automatically indicate acceptance of all aspects of the works.

Step 9: Off-maintenance inspection

At the end of the maintenance period, you can request a final inspection.

The inspection confirms that:

• the works have been maintained appropriately
• any defects have been rectified
• the completed works continue to meet the required standards.

If the works pass the inspection, TMR will issue a confirmation letter and refund any remaining bond, where applicable.