Right now, New Zealand is in the middle of a development boom. Construction crews and civil engineers are working on cities, towns, and roads all over the country to improve infrastructure and make the Aotearoa of tomorrow even better than that of today. Since these teams often have to work on or near active roads and highways, they need to understand the art of temporary traffic control extensively.
Temporary traffic control—also called temporary traffic management (TTM) by Waka Kotahi—is designed to reduce risk to workers and drivers while essential construction projects are being carried out. To ensure maximum safety, teams must follow strict best practices.
As one of the top companies for traffic management equipment hire, we at TSL take temporary traffic control very seriously. To that end, we’re taking the next few minutes to break down the key TTM best practices you need to know. If you’re contracting a civil crew to work on your commercial property, these are the principles to be aware of and enforce as a PCBU.
Why is Temporary Traffic Control Important?
TTM is all about one thing: strategic risk reduction. From the outside, it may look like crews are simply throwing up cones and hoping for the best, but the reality is far more deliberate. All road users need to be considered at every stage of the planning process, including drivers, pedestrians, and crew members working on construction projects.
Temporary traffic control best practices support the planning and execution of these procedures. Without that vital planning, the chance of a bad accident increases significantly. At best, that constitutes a financial loss for the city and a delay for both crew and motorists. At worst, this can lead to serious injury, especially for vulnerable construction workers on the road.
That’s why TTM is vital. Implementing the right strategies lets PCBUs, local councils, and other governing authorities protect both workers and road users, minimise disruptions to traffic flow, and heavily reduce liability in the event of an accident. This result is all the more important when you consider New Zealand’s wild weather conditions and high traffic volumes.
Best Practices for Planning and Implementing TTM
Proper planning, execution, and monitoring of temporary traffic control echoes the risk management procedures you might see on a standard construction site. Except in this case, the primary risks to workers are those presented by oncoming motorists, which is why most traffic management equipment and procedures are geared toward minimising that risk.
For curious PCBUs or on-site leaders, here are some best practices to live by:
Do a Risk Assessment
Before any work begins, a comprehensive risk assessment should be carried out. Identifying potential hazards allows worksite managers to anticipate risks and implement effective solutions from day one. Look for blind spots, pedestrian crossings, or high-speed zones where incidents are more likely to occur.
Develop Your Traffic Management Plan (TMP)
The next step is a well-structured Traffic Management Plan (TMP). This document outlines the layout of the worksite, detailing where traffic control equipment will be placed, how traffic flow will be managed, and what emergency procedures are in place in case something goes wrong. Not only does this ensure compliance, but it also ensures your crew always knows what they’re doing (and what they should avoid doing).
Use Clear Signage and Markings
Signage and road markings should be placed well in advance of the work site, giving drivers enough time to adjust their speed and navigate the area safely.
Visibility is key, especially in poor weather conditions. Always make it your first and best goal to use traffic management equipment that is bright, reflective, and properly secured. Portable traffic barriers are also essential in case something goes wrong at the worksite.
Control Traffic Flow with Trained Personnel
Managing vehicle flow is another critical factor. Well-trained traffic controllers should be present where needed to help direct vehicles, while temporary signals or pilot vehicles are ideal for navigating particularly complex worksites. The goal of your traffic management personnel should always be to minimise confusion and maintain a steady traffic flow.
To get the full picture, we recommend checking in with NZTA Waka Kotahi.
Simplify Temporary Traffic Control with TSL
Effective temporary traffic control keeps everyone safe while allowing infrastructure to evolve. Without proper measures, both workers and drivers are at risk. By following best practices, civil engineers, PCBUs, and local councils can minimise disruption and support the growth of Kiwi cities.
With decades of experience in traffic control, we take pride in providing expert guidance and a wide range of traffic management products. We supply city and district governments across Aotearoa with the gear they need to keep roads safe. Contact us today to hire or purchase top-quality TTM equipment.