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Working on Roadways

Manual

Working on Roadways Manual

i Reference R236 Ver 1

Energy Queensland Limited ABN 96 612 535 583

CONTENTS 1. Purpose and Scope .................................................................................................................. 1

2. Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................. 1

3. References .............................................................................................................................. 1

4. Quick Reference Guide ............................................................................................................ 1

4.1 Types of traffic impacts ................................................................................................... 1

4.2 Static Work Sites ............................................................................................................. 2

4.3 Short Term Low Impact Works - Open Roads ................................................................. 2

4.4 Short Term Low Impact Works - Built-up Areas ............................................................... 3

5. Power Supply Authority Specific ............................................................................................... 5

5.1 Short Term Works for Power Supply Authorities ............................................................. 5

5.2 Energy Mobile Generators .............................................................................................. 5

5.3 Power Supply Authorities Emergency and Unplanned Works ......................................... 5

6. Pedestrian Control and Static Work Sites ............................................................................... 10

6.2 Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) ................................................................................... 14

7. Other MUTCD Clauses .......................................................................................................... 19

7.1 Short Term Low Impact Works - Open Roads (MUTCD 4.3) ......................................... 19

7.2 Short Term Low Impact Works - Built-up Areas (MUTCD 4.4) ....................................... 20

7.3 Works on Unsealed Roads (MUTCD (4.5) .................................................................... 23

7.4 Maintaining Traffic Flow (MUTCD 4.13) ........................................................................ 23


Page 1 of 74 Reference R236 Ver 1


1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Working on Roadways Manual (WORM) has been developed to provide guidance on how to manage the risks of working on or near a road. The clauses, tables and diagrams used in this manual are based on the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): Part 3 Traffic Control for Works on Roads. When directed to a particular clause, table or diagram in this WORM, refer to the MUTCD for the direct reference. Note: all clause numbers referenced align with the clauses in the MUTCD.

2. DEFINITIONS, ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic Barrier Line A single or double continuous line to prohibit crossing movements from

one or both directions – note a single line may be crossed if entering or leaving the roadway

Contraflow A temporary arrangement in which traffic travelling in both directions uses one side of the road with controls in place

D Dimension, D is shown on illustrations and diagrams in this Manual. It is used to indicate the positioning of advance signs and related purposes

Worksite hazard assessment

EQL’s hazard identification and management process is HazChat. The process provides a tool for managing the hazards of work activities and addresses EQL compliance requirements. The relevant HazChat Form is selected as appropriate to the work task

MUTCD Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices: Part 3 Traffic Control for Works on Roads

Short Term Works Works where personnel are in attendance and are generally limited to the duration of a single work shift or lesser period

TGS Traffic Guidance Scheme, an arrangement of temporary signs and devices to warn traffic and guide it through or past a work area or temporary hazard

VPD Vehicles per Day VPH Vehicles per Hour WORM Working on Roadways Manual, referred to in this document as the Manual

3. REFERENCES 3.1 Ergon Energy Controlled Documents SWMS006. Working on or Near a Road or Railway Safe Work Method Statement 3.2 Energex Controlled Documents 4111. Work on, in or adjacent to a road / railway Safe Work Method Statement 3.3 Other Sources Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): Part 3 Traffic Control for Works on Roads

4. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 4.1 Types of traffic impacts In works on roadways, there are four main types of impacts to traffic. Sorted from lowest impact to highest impact they are:

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Technical-standards-publications/Manual-of-uniform-traffic-control-devices.aspx




• Short-term low impact works – where traffic may only take a short period of time, such as an inspection, or is clear of the road;

• Traffic through the worksite – where traffic can continue travelling on their normal path with speed reductions or temporary holds. Examples of this are shoulder closure or hold/release;

• Traffic past the worksite - where traffic may need to be partially diverted off the normal course, but on the same road. Examples of this are contraflow; lane closure; or stop/slow; and

• Traffic around – where traffic is diverted from the normal road they take onto an alternative road. This is also known as a full closure.

4.2 Static Work Sites Work sites that do not meet the requirements for Short Term Low Impact works (Clause 4.3 & 4.4) must be set out as a static work site to protect workers from oncoming or passing traffic, and road users from hazards within the site. Should the site require static controls for works off the shoulder that are visible to traffic, but not close enough to the road to require speed reduction, TGS EQL-OFR01 Off Shoulder Works (previously 1 or 2) shall be applied (MUTCD Table 4.7). Where the static work site is closer than 3 m to the traffic then an appropriate TGS EQL - 01 EQL - 13 shall be applied. The clearances to edge of work area in the following items shall be measured from the traffic-side edge of the line of delineating devices or barriers (MUTCD Clause 4.13.4). 4.3 Short Term Low Impact Works - Open Roads 4.3.1 General The treatments in this clause (MUTCD Clause 4.3) are permitted in recognition of the need to allow certain short-term low impact works to be carried out without the use of static work site with protection for workers and road users or mobile works convoys. It is mandatory that a worksite hazard assessment be made of the proposed adoption of these risk treatments/controls in particular environments taking particular account of factors such as traffic volume and speed, road geometry and width, and the general behaviour of road users. If the risk cannot be tolerated, a static work site with protection for workers and road users (MUTCD Clause 4.2) or mobile works convoy (MUTCD Clause 4.6) will be required. Refer to Section 7.1 Short Term Low Impact Works – Open Roads of this Manual. Where traffic volumes have been specified at Vehicles per Day per day in this section, the traffic volume may be converted to Vehicles per Hour by dividing the Vehicles per Day by a factor of 10. Ensure the worksite hazard assessment is documented on the appropriate HazChat Form.

Description 1. Work / Task Performed

2. Key factors for consideration. If the risk cannot be tolerated, refer to step 3

3. MUTCD Clause 4.2 Static work sites & TGS / Diagrams

Work between gaps in traffic (MUTCD 4.3.2)

Work / task performed but not limited to: Raise lower services /

conductors Measure conductors Survey work

Work vehicles and equipment are parked clear of moving traffic lanes. Look out person posted to warn workers on foot of approaching traffic and vacate roadway before its arrival.

Apply the requirements of the TGS / diagrams and notes.

Short term work in traffic

Work / task performed but not limited to: HV & LV switching

Sight Distance: >150 m

Speed of Road: ≤ 60 km/h > 60 km/h





(MUTCD 4.3.3)

Scoping visual inspections

Minor works Survey work

>250 m

Duration: ≤ 5 min Look out person posted to warn workers on foot of approaching traffic and vacate roadway before its arrival.

Mobile inspections (MUTCD 4.3.6)

Work / task performed but not limited to: HV & LV switching

Travel speed < 20 km/h below speed of road; OR If 200 VpD Travel speed ≥ 25 km/h


Work off the travelled path (MUTCD 4.3.7)

Work / task performed but not limited to: Fitting of poles Survey work HV & LV switching Scoping visual

inspections Minor works

Sight Distance: >150 m >250 m

Speed of Road: ≤ 60 km/h > 60 km/h


4.4 Short Term Low Impact Works - Built-up Areas 4.4.1 General The treatments in this clause (MUTCD Clause 4.4) are permitted in recognition of the need to allow certain short-term low impact works to be carried out without the use of static work site with protection for workers and road users or mobile works convoys which could otherwise lead to significant work inefficiencies. Since they could be seen as a partial relaxation of safety standards, it is mandatory that a hazard assessment be completed for the proposed adoption of these risk controls in particular environments taking specific account of factors such as traffic volume and speed, road geometry and width, and the general behaviour of road users. If the risk cannot be tolerated, a static work site with protection for workers and road users (MUTCD Clause 4.2) or mobile works convoy (MUTCD Clause 4.6) will be required. Regardless of the risk assessment, where the speed limit, traffic volume, traffic separation or occupation time constraints specified below cannot be met, a static or mobile work site shall be used. Where traffic volumes have been specified at Vehicles per Day per day in this section, the traffic volume may be converted to Vehicles per Hour by dividing the Vehicles per Day by a factor of 10. The speed limits specified are existing permanent speed limits. Temporary speed limits shall not be used unless a static or mobile work site as specified in this section of the manual is to be set up. Refer to Section 7.2 Short Term Low Impact Works – Built-up Areas of this manual. Ensure the worksite hazard assessment is documented on the appropriate HazChat Form.




Frequently changing work area (work not

Work / task performed but not limited to: HV & LV switching Scoping visual

Sight Distance: >50m

Speed of Road: ≤ 70 km/h


Duration:







within traffic lane) (MUTCD 4.4.2)

inspections Minor works Survey work Street lights

20min at 40min at 60min at

>150 VpH ≤ 150 VpH ≤ 40 VpH

Frequently changing work area Work within a traffic lane (MUTCD 4.4.3)

Work / task performed but not limited to: HV & LV switching Scoping visual

inspections Minor works Survey work Street lights

Sight Distance: greater of 50m or 2D

Speed of Road: ≤ 60 km/h


Duration: 60min at ≤ 40 VpH; OR 20 mins at < 60 VpH

Road lighting works (MUTCD 4.4.4)

Work / task performed but not limited to: Pole maintenance Street lights Vehicle equipped with directional arrow.

Sight Distance: 75 m >150 m >250 m

Speed of Road: Residential street ≤ 60 km/h > 60 km/h


Duration: 60 min

20 min 5 min

Parked location from traffic lane Where nominally permitted >1.2 m but < 3 m ≤1.2 m

Works on medians, verges and footpaths (MUTCD 4.4.5)

Work / task performed but not limited to: Minor works Fitting poles

Work Location: Clear of traffic 1.2 m clear of traffic 3m clear of traffic

Speed of Road: ≤ 60 km/h ≤ 80 km/h > 80 km/h


Note: T1-5 sign shall be displayed if working within 3 m of moving traffic lane.

Work between gaps in traffic (MUTCD 4.4.7)

Work / task performed but not limited to: Raise lower

services/conductors Measure conductors Survey work

Work vehicles and equipment are parked clear of moving traffic lanes. Look out person posted to warn workers on foot of approaching traffic with sufficient notice for the workers to vacate roadway before its arrival.





5. POWER SUPPLY AUTHORITY SPECIFIC 5.1 Short Term Works for Power Supply Authorities 5.1.1 Raising or lowering overhead wires between poles across a road with very light

traffic (a) A site-specific hazard assessment is required to be performed at each site and documented

on the appropriate HazChat Form to determine the most appropriate traffic management process to be adopted.

(b) In some instances where this work is being performed on roads with very light traffic or residential streets it may be performed between gaps in traffic, provided work vehicles and equipment are parked clear of moving traffic lanes and a look out person is posted to warn workers on foot of approaching traffic with sufficient notice for the workers to vacate roadway before its arrival.

If the hazard assessment deems it not safe to use the proposed adoption, then the appropriate Traffic Guidance Scheme utilising Traffic Controllers must be selected and implemented. 5.2 Energy Mobile Generators Generally, mobile generators will be placed adjacent to or off the road at a worksite the day prior to scheduled work and will be included in the worksite’s traffic control plan once work commences. During the period when the mobile generator is not attended, the following conditions shall be met: (a) Where traffic does not have to deviate from the normal travelled path, advanced signs are

not required provided sight distance to the mobile generator is: (i) greater than 150 m in a 60 km/h or lower speed zone; or (ii) greater than 250 m elsewhere.

Where it is not possible to meet the sight distance requirements above, a Road Plant Ahead sign (T1-3) shall be displayed in addition to standard size traffic cones (70 km/h or below 450 mm to 500 mm in height and greater than 70 km/h 700 mm in height) placed at 5 m intervals on the road side of the mobile generator, starting and ending within 10 m of the mobile generator. 5.3 Power Supply Authorities Emergency and Unplanned Works 5.3.1 General (MUTCD Appendix H1) This procedure specifies for the safe control of traffic and the safety of electrical workers attending emergency and unplanned work sites. Whilst as indicated below, initial and short-term measures will in many cases be taken by police, the primary security of the site and the follow-up control and protection measures for longer term situations will often be provided by traffic control. Because of the speed at which it will usually be necessary to deploy traffic control resources, frequently outside working hours, specific work methods and procedures for attending emergency closures or part closures should be developed, and work units likely to be allocated to these tasks trained in their use. The procedures should include the following: (a) Duties of workers attending the site; (b) Modified duties where there are initially, insufficient workers available for optimum control of

the site, e.g. the need for a single traffic controller to control traffic in two directions; (c) Procedures for contacting police, emergency services and traffic control, including when

usual communication (mobile telephone) is not available or not working; and (d) Equipment that is to be ready at all times potential emergencies at designated location.




5.3.2 Initial response (MUTCD Appendix H2) While initial attendance at an incident site will often be by police, fire or emergency services personnel trained and equipped for incident management. They will not necessarily remain on site for the entire length of the closure. 5.3.3 Interim response (MUTCD Appendix H3) Where an electrical entity work crew is to provide the initial attendance or is to take over from police or other emergency service units the following shall apply: (a) Minor partial road closure

For closures where traffic can continue to flow in both directions (two-way road) or at least one lane in each direction is open (divided road) a vehicle that has a pair of yellow beacon lamps (MUTCD Clause 3.12.1) or an illuminated flashing arrow sign (MUTCD Clause 3.12.2) is required.

(b) Major partial road closure For closures where traffic is restricted to one-way movement past the incident site, the requirements are: o a vehicle that has a pair of yellow beacon lamps (MUTCD Clause 3.12.1) or an illuminated

flashing arrow sign (MUTCD Clause 3.12.2) is required; and o traffic management or traffic controllers at both ends of the site.

Where the posted speed limit is more than 60 km/h, high priority shall be given to the provision of advance signs -

(i) Traffic Hazard; or (ii) Electric Wires Down; and (iii) once traffic control is available, Traffic Controller Ahead / PREPARE TO STOP will be

implemented. (c) Complete road closure

Where a complete road closure is necessary, the requirements are: o a vehicle that has a pair of yellow beacon lamps (MUTCD Clause 3.12.1) or an illuminated

flashing arrow sign (MUTCD Clause 3.12.2); o traffic management or traffic controllers shall be provided at both ends of the site; o Barrier boards across the entire roadway shall be provided; and o as far as practicable the positioning of the closure point in Item (b) and the barricade

position in Item (c) should be at least distance D from the incident site, and traffic controller positions placed so as to be visible to approaching traffic for a distance of at least 2D.

Typical location of devices for initial response protection purposes is shown in emergency site setup diagrams. 5.3.4 Follow up protection (MUTCD Appendix H4) Follow-up protection shall comprise the setting up of a static work site TGS. Follow-up protection is necessary for sites where it is clear that the closure or part closure will be required for a period longer than 4 hours, and appropriate resources shall be deployed. Should the extent of the emergency / event require extended periods for the restoration of supply and the unavailability of traffic control resources subject to the hazard assessment process, a static work site TGS or Emergency Diagram 1, 2 or 3 shall be applied.




Emergency Diagram 1 – Minor partial closure




Emergency Diagram 2 – Major partial closure




Emergency Diagram 3 – Complete closure




6. PEDESTRIAN CONTROL AND STATIC WORK SITES 6.1 Pedestrian Control Pedestrians can pass by, be escorted through or detoured around the worksite subject to appropriate controls and direction. Consideration is required for effective pedestrian management such as: Identifying pedestrian routes and volumes; Selection of an appropriate pedestrian management option based on availability of space on

footpath or space on shoulder adjacent to the footpath; Full footpath closures on major arterial roads may require special consideration if the above

cannot be achieved; Where applicable stop traffic flow and escort along carriageway; and Where pedestrians require escorting through the work site, stop work and escort them

through. 6.1.1 Signs for Pedestrian Control

Sign Sign Number Size mm Pedestrians Watch Your Step T8-1 900 x 600 Pedestrians (arrow) T8-2 (L or R) 1200 x 300 Use Other Footpath T8-3 900 x 600 Footpath Closed T8-4A 900 x 600 Look both ways – Two-way traffic

T8-5A 900 x 600

Pedestrians Watch Your Step T8-1 900 x 600 6.1.2 Pedestrian Management Diagrams Should the work site require pedestrian controls and direction, Pedestrian Management Diagram 1, 2 or 3 shall be applied.




Pedestrian Management Diagram 1 – Pedestrian allowed past site on partially open footpath




Pedestrian Management Diagram 2 – Pedestrians allowed past site on closed shoulder




Pedestrian Management Diagram 3 – Footpath closed, pedestrians detoured




6.2 Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) 6.2.1 Common tables referred to in the diagram notes Value of Dimension D (MUTCD Table 4.2)

Posted speed limit (prior to roadwork) Dimension D 40 km/h or less 5 to 10 m

50 km/h 10 to 15 m 60 km/h 15 to 45 m

70, 80 km/h 60 to 80 m 90, 100 km/h 80 to 100 m

110 km/h 100 to 120 m

Minimum Lane Widths (MUTCD Table 4.11) Posted speed limit during roadwork Minimum Lane Width

60 km/h or less 3.0 m 70 to 90 km/h 3.2 m

> 90 km/h 3.4 m

Recommended maximum spacing of cones and bollards (MUTCD Table 3.7)

Purpose and usage Speed Limit³ (km/h)

Recommended max. spacing (m)

All purposes ≤ 50 4 Centre-line on approach to a Traffic Controller position (Clause 4.10.2)

All cases (Clause 4.10.4) 4

Outer edge of traffic lanes – e.g. works on shoulder or parking lane

60 to 70 > 70

18 24¹

Separating opposing traffic on a 2-lane, 2-way road – e.g. partial or complete lane closure

60 to 70 > 70

12 18

Separating opposing traffic on a multilane undivided road – e.g. as part of a lane closure

60 to 70 > 70

12 18

Separating opposing traffic on a contraflow section of a multilane divided road

60 to 70 > 70

6 9

Adjacent to a closed lane on a multilane undivided road

60 to 70 > 70

18 24

Closed lane on a two-way road under shuttle flow 60 to 70 > 70

18 24

Merge tapers (Clause 4.8.2) 60 to 70 > 70

9 12

Lateral shift tapers (Clause 4.8.2) 60 to 70 > 70

12 18

Taper at Traffic Control Station (Clause 4.8.2) All Cases 4 Close delineation at excavations (Clause E2(b)) All Cases 4

Protecting freshly painted lines ≤ 70 > 70

24 60²

At crossovers (Clause 4.14.6(d)) All 2 NOTES:

1. This spacing may be extended to 60 m where the length of the line of cones or bollards exceeds 1 km but not adjacent to locations where there are workers on foot.

2. This spacing may need to be reduced on curves or crests, or if the row of cones is not clearly defined at night.

3. The temporary speed limit on the section of road where cones and bollards are installed.




6.2.2 TGS Register

TGS Number Description Speed Limits

Covered (km/h)

EQL-OFR01 Off Shoulder works All Speeds

EQL-01 Shoulder closure 40, 50, 60, 70-80, 90-100

EQL-01B Shoulder closure – Signage reduction low VpD roads 50, 60

EQL-02 Part lane closure with work area more than 1.2 m clear of traffic, low speed 50, 60

EQL-03 Part lane closure with work area less than 1.2m clear of traffic, low speed 40, 50, 60, 70

EQL-03B Part lane closure with work area less than 1.2 m clear of traffic, low speed - Signage reduction low VpD roads 50,

EQL-04 Lane closure with work area more than 1.2 m clear of traffic, residential street with low speed 50,

EQL-05 Lane closure with work area less than 1.2 m clear of traffic, residential street with low speed 40, 50

EQL-06 Frequently changing work area, low speed 40, 50, 60, 70

EQL-07 Kerbside work, intersection of a minor and low speed road 40, 50, 60

EQL-08 Contraflow, part lane closure of two way road 40, 50, 60, 70-80, 90-100

EQL-09

Full lane closure of two way road, with stop/slow 40, 50, 60, 70-80, 90-100, 110

EQL-10A Left lane closure, multilane divided road 60, 70-80, 90-100

EQL-10B Median lane closure, multilane divided road 60, 70-80, 90-100

EQL-11 Left lane closure, multilane undivided road 60, 70-80, 90-100

EQL-12 Lane closure, major roundabout 60, 70-80

EQL-13 Lane closure, minor roundabout 40, 50, 60




Generic TGS Selection Table 1

Description of Works Diagram Selection/Road Type 2 way Multi-lane

undivided Multi-lane divided

Closure of shoulder/parking lane EQL-01/ EQL-01B EQL-01 - EQL-01 Partial closure of lane in single direction

EQL-02 EQL-03/ EQL-03B

- -

Partial closure of lane in both directions to maintain two-way flow (contraflow)

EQL-08 - -

Closure of traffic lane(s) TGS Selection Table 2

EQL-11 EQL-10A, EQL-10B

Frequently changing work area EQL-06 EQL-06 EQL-06 Short term kerbside work at an intersection in a built up area

EQL-07 - -

Roundabouts EQL-13 EQL-12 EQL-12

Generic TGS Selection Table 2 - Closure of traffic lane – two way road

Available width Other considerations Method of Control

TGS No.

3.5, or 5.5m and over

Residential street, visibility between ends of closure

Adequate Shuttle EQL-04/EQL-05 Inadequate Traffic controllers

(Up to 1000 VpD) EQL-09




EQL – OFR01 - Off Shoulder Works Diagram 1 – Work area 6 m or more clear of traffic on roads of any speed limit




EQL- OFR01 - Off Shoulder Works Diagram 2 - Work area 3 m to 6 m clear of traffic on roads of any speed limit




7. OTHER MUTCD CLAUSES 7.1 Short Term Low Impact Works - Open Roads (MUTCD 4.3) 7.1.1 Short term work in traffic (MUTCD 4.3.3) Workers with a vehicle or item of plant equipped with a vehicle-mounted warning device may work on the roadway or within 1.2 m of moving traffic without the use of advance signs provided the roadway at any one work site is not occupied for more than 5 minutes and the conditions below are observed. Sight distance to the vehicle-mounted warning device for approaching drivers shall be: (a) Greater than 150 m in a 60 km/h or lower speed zone; or (b) Greater than 250 m elsewhere. The vehicle-mounted warning device shall not be obscured, e.g. by overhanging vegetation or a raised truck body. The work shall not reduce: a) the overall width to less than that required for safe passage for two-way traffic (or one-way

traffic if the volume is less than 50 VpD); or b) the running lane width adjacent to a barrier line to less than that needed to allow vehicles to

proceed without crossing the line. A lookout person shall be posted to warn workers on foot on the roadway of the approach of any vehicles whose speed or size might constitute a safety threat. If two or more locations within a space of 2 km or less are to be worked as above, the site shall be treated as a frequently changing work area (see MUTCD Clause 4.3.4). The lookout person is not required if the works are more than 1.2 m clear of moving traffic. The lookout person may be dispensed with if the work will not take longer than 10 seconds and approaching traffic can be seen for a distance away equal to 20 seconds of travel time. 7.1.2 Mobile inspections (MUTCD 4.3.6) Mobile road inspections are carried out according to one of the following requirements or recommendations. (a) If the inspection vehicle maintains speed that -

(i) is less than 20 km/h below the speed limit; or (ii) on a road with less than 200 VpD is at least 25 km/h, it may travel in the traffic stream,

but in the case of item (ii) shall display at least one yellow beacon lamp.

(b) If the inspection vehicle can operate by travelling along a shoulder or verge clear of moving traffic, using gaps in traffic to pass any obstructions in the shoulder or verge, it may operate as a single vehicle but shall display at least one yellow beacon lamp.

(c) If the inspection vehicle is required to block or partially block a traffic lane continuously at speeds lower than in Item (a) it shall operate within a mobile works convoy (MUTCD Clause 4.6).

7.1.3 Work off the travelled path (MUTCD 4.3.7) For activities involving a vehicle or item of plant running off the road such as mowing and sign / road edge guide post maintenance where the machine is running on the shoulder or work vehicle is parked clear of the road so that traffic does not have to deviate from the normal travelled path, the work may proceed without the use of advance signs under the following conditions. Sight distance to the vehicle mounted warning device for approaching drivers shall be: (a) Greater than 150 m in a 60 km/h or lower speed zone; or




(b) Greater than 250 m elsewhere; and (c) The vehicle-mounted device is displayed and not be obscured either by overhanging

vegetation or a raised truck body. 7.2 Short Term Low Impact Works - Built-up Areas (MUTCD 4.4) 7.2.1 Frequently changing work area - Work not within traffic lane (MUTCD (4.4.2) The work shall be carried out with a vehicle equipped with a vehicle mounted warning device parked on a shoulder or parking lane or elsewhere where parking is permitted adjacent to moving traffic. The vehicle shall shadow the work area at all times, either to the front or back of it. The limitations that shall apply are: (a) speed limit - 70 km/h or less; (b) minimum sight distance to oncoming traffic - 50 m; and (c) maximum work period at any one location;

(i) 20 min at any traffic volume, or (ii) 40 min at traffic volumes 150 VpH or less, or (iii) 1 hour at traffic volumes 40 VpH or less.

The work area may move frequently between successive locations. The following are examples of short-term works appropriate for this treatment when they do not require encroachment onto a moving traffic lane: a) pit cleaning or repair; b) litter collection; c) tree pruning or planting; d) road signs or street furniture maintenance; e) street light maintenance; f) mowing and litter activities; g) graffiti removal; h) minor tree clearing; i) minor cleaning of culverts, pipes and pits; j) herbicide spraying; and k) road edge guide post repairs. Note: A static work site will be required if these conditions cannot be met (MUTCD Clause 4.4.1). 7.2.2 Frequently changing work area - Work within a traffic lane (MUTCD 4.4.3) The work shall be carried out using a work vehicle or large plant item, and a shadow vehicle, both equipped with a vehicle mounted warning device. Note: A large plant item should generally be considered to be the equivalent of a medium size farm or industrial tractor or larger. If work is being carried out by a large plant item and there are no workers on foot or small plant items present, the shadow vehicle shall follow the plant item 15 m to 30 m behind it, either in the lane or shoulder to the left of the work lane if free, or otherwise, within the work lane. If the work is being carried out by workers on foot or small items of plant, even though large plant items may also be present, the shadow vehicle shall travel in the same lane as the work area, 20 m to 40 m behind the work vehicle.




The following limitations apply: (a) Speed limit 60 km/h or less; (b) Maximum work period at any one location, large item of plant, no workers on foot;

(i) 20 min at any traffic volume, and (ii) 1 hour at traffic volumes up to 40 VpH;

(c) Maximum work period at any one location, workers on foot - 1 hour at traffic volumes up to 40 VpH.

The shadow vehicle may be dispensed with at volumes less than 60 VpH provided sight distance to oncoming traffic is at least 50 m or 2D, whichever is the greater. The work may be moved frequently between successive locations. Examples of work appropriate for this treatment are: a) pavement marker laying (other than on dividing lines); b) pavement testing; and c) any of the items listed in MUTCD Clause 4.4.2 where encroachment onto a traffic lane is

likely to occur. Note: A static or mobile work site will be required if these conditions cannot be met (MUTCD Clause 4.4.1). 7.2.3 Road lighting works (MUTCD 4.4.4) Road lighting works may be undertaken in built-up area by workers on foot with a vehicle equipped with a vehicle mounted warning device and an illuminated directional arrow sign without the use of advance warning signs under the below conditions. (a) Where the vehicle is positioned where parking would normally be permitted and does not

obstruct the traffic flow; (i) The maximum work period at any one location shall be 1 hour, and (ii) A minimum clearance of 5.5 m must be maintained above the road surface to any part

of the maintenance vehicle that encroaches upon the open traffic lane. (b) Where the vehicle is positioned other than outlined in (a):

(i) The maximum work period at any one location shall be; (A) 5 minutes if on the roadway or within 1.2 m of moving traffic, or (B) 20 minutes if within 3 m of moving traffic but more than 1.2 m from moving traffic.

(ii) The following sight distance to the vehicle mounted warning device for approaching drivers shall be; (A) In a residential street 75 m or to the end of the street, or (B) Greater than 150 m in a 60 km/h or lower speed zone (non-residential), or (C) Greater than 250 m elsewhere.

(iii) The vehicle mounted warning device shall not be obscured by either overhanging vegetation or a raised truck body; and

(iv) The work shall not reduce; (A) The overall width to less than required for safe passage for two-way traffic (or

one-way traffic in the volume is less than 50 vehicles per day), or (B) The running lane width adjacent to a barrier line to less than that needed to allow

vehicles to proceed without crossing the line, and




(C) A lookout person shall be posted to warn workers on foot of the approach of any vehicle whose size or speed may constitute a safety threat. The lookout person is not required if the works are more than 1.2 m clear of moving traffic.

Where the requirements of this clause or another suitable clause of Section 4.4 cannot be met, a static or mobile work site shall be used. Examples of work appropriate for this treatment includes but is not limited to: (a) maintenance; (b) installation; and (c) maintenance and installation of power poles. 7.2.4 Works on medians, verges and footpaths (MUTCD 4.4.5) The following works may be carried out without any support vehicle on the roadway, subject to the work duration being limited to a single shift and to the conditions listed in items (i) and (ii). Items (i) and (ii) are not applicable if the work area is protected by a shadow vehicle and a hazard assessment, as required, has been undertaken. (a) median and verge mowing, and related activities such as tilling, seeding and weed spraying (b) works on a footpath (c) garden maintenance (d) mowing and litter activities (e) graffiti removal (f) minor tree clearing (g) minor cleaning of culverts, pipes and pits (h) herbicide spraying (i) road edge guide post repairs The following conditions shall be met: (i) Large plant items only (MUTCD Clause 4.4.3 note). Where there are no workers on foot, the relationship between speed limit and clearance to edge of traffic lane shall be as follows:

(A) Speed limit 90 km/h or more - clearance shall be greater than 1.2 m. (B) Speed limit 80 km/h or less - clearance may be less than 1.2 m but plant items shall not

encroach onto the traffic lane. (ii) Workers on foot or small items of plant Where there are workers on foot or small items of plant, or both, the work method shall be restricted to one of the following:

(A) The speed limit is 60 km/h or less and the work area does not encroach onto a moving traffic lane;

(B) The speed limit is 80 km/h or less and the clearance to edge of traffic lane is at least 1.2 m; and

(C) The entire work area is at least 3 m clear of a moving traffic lane. A Workers (symbolic) (T1-5) sign or ROAD PLANT AHEAD (T1-3) sign shall be displayed respectively, when either workers on foot or plant items alone are present and working closer than 3 m to a moving traffic lane. Note: A static or mobile work site will be required if these conditions cannot be met (MUTCD Clause 4.4.1).




7.3 Works on Unsealed Roads (MUTCD 4.5) 7.3.1 General The following treatments are permitted on unsealed roads in recognition of the generally lower volumes and traffic speeds encountered on those roads than on sealed roads and the need to be economical in the expenditure of resources on these low usage facilities. Since they could be seen as a partial relaxation of safety standards, it is vital that a hazard assessment (MUTCD Clause 2.2.3) be completed of the proposed adoption of these treatments in particular environments taking particular account of factors such as traffic volume and speed, road geometry, width and surface condition, and the general behaviour of road users. The treatments shall not be applied to any road which would normally be sealed but has been left unsealed either temporarily or permanently due to, for example, economic or climatic factors or is in the process of construction or reconstruction as a sealed road.

7.3.2 Short term partial road closures The following apply to the treatment of short term partial road closures: (a) Omission of advance signs;

Advance signs may be omitted provided that - (i) The vehicle mounted warning device on the work vehicle can be seen by approaching

traffic, (ii) For at least 250 m, (iii) No traffic controller is required in accordance with Clause 4.13.1(i); and (iii) either -

(A) Traffic volumes are 20 VPD or less, or (B) There is room for two-way traffic past the work area, or both.

(b) Using a single traffic controller; Traffic control is required and may be performed by a single traffic controller under the following conditions - (iv) There is a single lane section not exceeding 50 m in length, (v) Traffic volumes are not more than 20 VpH, (vi) The traffic controller has a good view of traffic approaching from both directions when

stationed at one end of the job. (d) Other cases

Situations not meeting the conditions set out in Items (a) or (b) shall be treated in the same way as sealed roads.

7.4 Maintaining Traffic Flow (MUTCD 4.13) 7.4.1 Edge clearances (MUTCD 4.13.4) Clearance between edge of traffic lane and delineating devices or road safety barrier system shall be as below. This clearance shall be measured to the traffic-side edge of delineating devices or barrier. This edge shall also be the line from which clearances to the work area are measured for the purpose of determining treatments when setting out static worksites (MUTCD Clause 4.2). (a) Edge of traffic lane to line of traffic cones, bollards or longitudinal channelising barricades:

(i) posted speed limit during roadworks up to 60 km/h - 0.5 m; and (ii) posted speed limit during roadworks above 60 km/h - 1.0 m.

(b) Edge of traffic lane to roadworks delineators or temporary hazard markers - 1.0 m.




(c) Edge of traffic lane to road safety barrier system: (i) posted speed limit during roadworks 40 km/h or less - 0.3 m; (ii) posted speed limit during roadworks 50 to 80 km/h - 0.5 m; and (iii) posted speed limit during roadworks greater than 80 km/h - 1.0 m.

In the absence of marked lines on the pavement these clearances shall be added to the nominal lane widths provided (MUTCD Clause 4.13.3). If the edge of the traffic lane is kerbed, delineation devices shall be placed 0.3 to 0.5 m clear behind the face of kerb. Note: Road safety barriers should not be placed behind kerbs on roads with a speed limit of 80

km/h and above. Containment fences marking the limit of work area shall be placed as specified in MUTCD Clause 4.2. Clearances adjacent to excavations are given in MUTCD Appendix E.





















































































































































