#88 Road safety auditing & temporary traffic management (part 4)

Road safety auditing (RSA) applies to temporary traffic management (TTM) scenarios as well as the general road network. Our previous brief outlined RSA in TTM implementation and operation stages. The third part of the current series looks at RSA in the TTM implementation and operation stages, drawing on the Austroads (2026) Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (Part 2)[1] (AGTTM02-26) and related resources. The fourth and final part of the series considers routine checks and review, and some additional information from Austroads.

• Part 1: Introduction to the series

• Part 2: Planning & design audit

• Part 3: Implementation & operational audit

• Part 4: Routine checks and review

  
  

Routine checks & review

As noted previously, many variables influence what occurs regarding TTM on any given site. There are also multiple factors that influence what occurs in TTM on a site or project from one day to the next, including changed weather and traffic conditions, operational and schedule changes, and changes to field staff and personnel. As such, it may be appropriate to apply routine and repeated checks at timely intervals to ensure that TTM provisions are adjusted in line with any changed conditions to maintain safety and compliance. If and when such changes apply, these should be fully documented and approved by the relevant authority.

The scope to conduct routine checks of TTM obviously applies more readily to longer term sites than to mobile sites and short-term works of a single day or less. Continuous review of TTM provision is promoted by Austroads in the expectation that this allows industry to maintain and potentially improve best practice. Reviewing TTM provision and practices can apply equally to all types of works, including long-term, short-term and mobile works. Indeed, the AGTTM itself is subject to ongoing reviews and updates[2].

To remain relevant in this environment, the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management is maintained as a live document. The parts of the Guide, and the associated training materials, are subject to ongoing reviews and updates as practices, devices and management methods evolve and new innovations are introduced into the industry.       

Summary and additional information

Auditing of TTM may encompass all aspects of TTM, from planning and design through post-project review. This includes not only the relevant Traffic Management Plans (TMP), Traffic Guidance Schemes (TGS), Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and other documentation, but also the certifications, qualifications and performance of relevant personnel involved in TTM delivery, from traffic controllers to management level. The level of knowledge by role in TTM and the relevant AGTTM parts are summarised in Table 1.

Table 1: Level of knowledge of AGTTM required by each role in TTM (Source: AGTTM01-26)

Additional resources

Austroads is currently hosting free webinars covering aspects of the AGTTM, including:

• Tuesday 20 October 2026: Using and Understanding the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management for Traffic Controllers & Traffic Management Implementers

• Tuesday 24 November 2026: Using and Understanding the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management for Project Managers and Clients of TTM Providers

• Victoria Road Management Act (2004)

• Austroads Guide to Road Safety Part 6: Road Safety Audit

[1] Austroads (2026). Guide to Temporary Traffic Management Part 2: Traffic Management Planning (AGTTM02-26). Sydney, Austroads.

[2] Austroads (2026). Guide to Temporary Traffic Management Part 1: Introduction (AGTTM01-26). Sydney, Austroads.