Building your dream home is one of the most exciting projects you’ll ever take on. But when you’re busy choosing the perfect design and budgeting for every little detail, there’s one important element that is easy to overlook – the Traffic Management Plan (TMP). And, while it may seem like a bit of a hassle, if your build impacts traffic, you’ll need a TMP, whether you’re building on a quiet suburban street or a busy arterial road.
A TMP is also a legal requirement under the Road Management Act and local council regulations, making it even more important to consider as part of your overall build. So, to make things easier to understand and plan, we’ve put together this guide to Traffic Management Plans, including what it costs, so you’ll know how much your budget it will take up.
Table of Contents
What is a Traffic Management Plan?
The simplest way of explaining what a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is, is to say that it’s basically a blueprint for how traffic will be managed around your building site. It ensures the safe movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and workers during construction while minimising disruptions to the road network.
Think of it as a construction management plan for traffic – one that outlines everything from traffic detours to the use of traffic control devices like signs, cones, and barriers.
But it’s not just about safety. Traffic Management Plans are a legal requirement set by local councils and governing bodies like Vic Roads to make sure your project complies with relevant regulations. So, whether you’re managing footpath closures, lane adjustments, or your build requires a complete road closure, having a TMP in place keeps everything above board.
Why Do You Need a Traffic Management Plan?
Safety First
A construction site can create many different hazards for workers, drivers, and pedestrians, but a Traffic Management Plan makes sure that any risks are minimised by clearly outlining how to manage traffic safely around the site. It will include information on things like redirecting vehicles with traffic detours, setting up proper signage, and creating safe pathways for pedestrians to keep everyone out of harm’s way.
Legal Compliance
In Australia, Traffic Management Plans are often legally required by local councils, utility companies, and governing bodies. This is because these authorities are responsible for maintaining the road network and keeping the public safe, and they take these responsibilities very seriously. Failing to comply with relevant regulations set out by these authorities can result in hefty fines, delays, or even the shutdown of your project, but with a well-prepared Traffic Management Plan, you can rest assured your construction activities align with the Road Management Act and any other applicable rules in your region.
Community Goodwill
There’s also the local community to consider. Construction projects inevitably impact the surrounding community, and without proper planning, things like footpath closures, lane reductions, or road closures can create real tension. A Traffic Management Plan demonstrates that you’ve considered their needs and taken steps to minimise disruption to their daily life, potentially resulting in happier future neighbours!
What Goes into a Traffic Management Plan?
A Traffic Management Plan is so much more than just a map of where to place some cones! It’s a detailed document that is tailored to your project and location, addressing everything from specific requirements to the practical steps for following compliance. Here are some of the things you’ll find in a good Traffic Management Plan:
A Traffic Guidance Scheme
At the heart of every Traffic Management Plan is the Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS). This outlines exactly how traffic will be managed during your project, including the placement of major traffic control devices such as barriers, signs, and cones. It also specifies any temporary changes to traffic flow, such as lane closures, footpath closures, and alternative routes.
Temporary Traffic Detours and Closures
If your project requires changes to the roadway, the Traffic Management Plan will detail how to implement these adjustments. This might include rerouting vehicles via traffic detours, setting up temporary traffic lights, or closing a road reserve altogether. The plan will also address pedestrian safety by ensuring clear pathways are in place and providing alternative routes.
Permit and Approval Requirements
Securing the necessary permits is also an important part of any Traffic Management Plan, and depending on your location, you may need written consent from local councils, specific council officers, or other authorities. A Traffic Management Plan will outline these requirements so you can make sure all the paperwork is in order before construction begins.
Equipment and Signage
Every Traffic Management Plan specifies the traffic control devices required to keep the site safe and organised and includes everything from barriers and warning signs to cones and portable traffic lights. It will also outline how and when these devices will be deployed to make sure they’re being used effectively throughout the entire build.
An Aftercare Plan
Once the construction is complete, a Traffic Management Plan will likely also include an aftercare plan that will detail how all the temporary traffic management measures will be removed and how the roadway will be restored to its original state. This can involve things like removing signs or repairing any damage caused during construction.
How Much Does a Traffic Management Plan Cost?
So that’s what a Traffic Management Plan is and what it includes. But how much is it going to cost? Well, it ultimately depends on your project’s complexity, location, and duration. Here’s a general breakdown:
Small Projects
If your build is in a quiet street with minimal impact on traffic, a basic Traffic Management Plan might only cost a few hundred dollars as they are usually more straightforward and only involve simple traffic control devices.
Medium-Sized Projects
For suburban builds that affect moderate traffic flow, you’re looking at costs that can easily range from $2000 – $4000. This is because projects like this require traffic detours, additional signage, and more detailed planning overall.
Complex Projects
If your project is on a busy arterial road or involves significant temporary traffic changes like lane reductions or footpath diversions, the costs can reach over $5,000. For this, you’ll be getting a highly detailed traffic guidance scheme and additional resources like specialised equipment and, in some cases, skilled traffic controllers.
Tips for Managing Traffic Management Plan Costs
It’s fair to say that these are costs you may not have thought about when planning your dream build. But the good news is there are a couple of ways you can keep Traffic Management Plan costs under control while still meeting all the legal and safety requirements.
First of all, plan ahead! The earlier you start working on your Traffic Management Plan and reaching out to experienced traffic management companies, the sooner you’ll know what your project will require in terms of traffic control measures, and you can shop around for the best quote.
Believe it or not, timing can also make a big difference. If possible, schedule disruptive work for off-peak times or outside school holidays to reduce traffic impact and, as a result, the associated costs. Similarly, breaking your project into phases can help minimise both disruptions and costs.
Top Tip: Check out our other guides on home building costs.
Get free advice on traffic management plans from an experienced building broker
Traffic management planning may not be the most glamorous part of building your dream home, but it is undeniably one of the most important. At Buildi, we’re here to make every step of your home-building journey easier, including navigating the logistics of Traffic Management Plans. Reach out to us today at 1300 947 132 or use our Contact Form to book a free consultation.
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