Temporary Traffic Management [TTM] refers to the systematic process of planning, designing, and implementing traffic control measures in areas where roadwork, maintenance, or construction activities are taking place. These measures aim to ensure the safety of both road users and workers while minimising disruption to traffic flow.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The TTM Designer’s role is crucial as this person is responsible for two main factors.
- Ensuring the safety of road users and road workers,
- Keeping traffic moving (as far as is possible)
Other key stakeholders include project managers, traffic engineers, traffic controllers, and road workers. Each has specific responsibilities in the co-ordination required to achieve safe and efficient traffic management. The traffic controller, often referred to as the Stop/Go operative, has a particularly significant role and is the person who is the least disrespected. Road workers are often seen by the public as the person who is causing a delay rather than the person who ensures their safety and as a result receive abuse and threats daily.
Risk Assessment and Planning:
Before implementing temporary traffic measures, a comprehensive risk assessment and planning process must be undertaken. This is critical when you consider that the likelihood of someone surviving after being struck by a vehicle travelling at 50km/h is exceptionally low and road workers perform their duties on all levels of road with regulatory speeds up to 120 km/h.
Traffic Control Operations:
Implementing and managing temporary traffic control operations requires coordination, communication, and skilled personnel. Traffic control includes lane closures, detours, flagging operations, and road closures by the proper use of signage and traffic control devices, which play a vital role in guiding road users through temporary work zones.
Technology and Innovations:
Advancements in technology have greatly influenced temporary traffic management. Emerging technologies, such as intelligent transportation systems, real-time traffic monitoring, and automated flagging devices are advancing continually, and these innovations can enhance safety, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making in temporary traffic management.
We hope that this comprehensive guideline will assist you in understanding the principles, practices, and importance of temporary traffic management. Cinnte Safety Limited can provide you with assistance in all these areas, ensuring the safety of road users and workers alike.
