What Is a Traffic
Management Plan?

If you are planning works that affect a road, footpath, or shared path in Victoria, you will almost certainly need a traffic management plan (TMP). Whether you are running a small utility dig or a major arterial upgrade, understanding what a TMP is — and getting it right — is the difference between a smooth start and a costly delay.

What Is a Traffic Management Plan?

A traffic management plan is a formal document that describes how road users — drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles — will be safely managed around a worksite or event. It outlines the physical layout of signs, barriers, and lane closures, as well as the responsibilities of traffic controllers and supervisors on site.

In Victoria, TMPs must comply with Australian Standard AS 1742.3 (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices — Traffic Control Devices for Works on Roads) and the relevant VicRoads or council guidelines. Failure to have an approved TMP in place before works commence can result in stop-work orders, fines, and significant liability exposure.

When Do You Need a Traffic Management Plan?

Any works that affect the movement of traffic on a public road in Victoria require some form of traffic management documentation. In practice, this means:

• Utility works (telecommunications, gas, water, electrical)
• Road construction, resurfacing, or line marking
• Footpath, kerb, and channel works
• Council infrastructure maintenance
• Building construction with a site access point on a public road
• Special events that close or alter traffic flow on public roads

The complexity of the TMP scales with the risk of the job. Low-volume residential streets may only require a simple site-specific layout diagram, while works on arterial roads, freeways, or near schools typically require a full, authority-approved TMP prepared by an accredited designer.

What Does a Traffic Management Plan Include?

A well-prepared TMP in Victoria typically includes the following components:

• Site-specific layout diagrams — scaled drawings showing sign placement, barrier positions, lane configurations, and pedestrian detour routes
• Risk assessment — identification of hazards, affected road users, and mitigation measures
• Staging plans — where works are conducted in phases, each phase requires its own layout
• Controller requirements — number of traffic controllers, their positions, and accreditation levels (TC1/TM1 or TC2/TM2)
• Emergency vehicle access — documentation that ambulance, fire, and police access is maintained at all times
• Permit references — identification of Road Occupancy Licences or council permits associated with the works
• Contingency procedures — how the site will be managed in the event of an incident or change in conditions

Who Can Prepare a Traffic Management Plan in Victoria?

TMPs must be prepared by a person with the appropriate qualifications and accreditation. In Victoria, this generally means a TC2 / TM2 Traffic Management Implementer for standard worksites, or a licensed Traffic Engineering Consultant for high-risk or complex sites requiring VicRoads sign-off.

Oryx Traffic employs qualified TMP designers who understand the nuances of Victorian road authority requirements. We produce compliant plans quickly and manage the approval submission on your behalf.

TMP Approval: VicRoads vs. Council

Who approves your TMP depends on which authority manages the road:

• VicRoads (now Transport for Victoria) manages freeways, highways, and arterial roads. TMP approvals typically take 5–10 business days.
• Local councils manage residential and local streets. Approval times vary between councils, typically 3–15 business days.
• Level crossings (rail corridors) require additional approval from VicTrack or the relevant rail authority.

Submitting an incomplete or non-compliant TMP is the most common cause of delays. Oryx Traffic prepares plans to the correct standard the first time, avoiding back-and-forth with authorities.

How Much Does a Traffic Management Plan Cost in Victoria?

TMP pricing in Victoria varies based on the complexity of the works, the number of staging layouts required, and the approval authority involved. Simple residential jobs with straightforward layouts are at the lower end; multi-stage arterial works requiring VicRoads approval are at the higher end.

Oryx Traffic provides fixed-price TMP quotes so there are no surprises. Contact us to discuss your project and get a quote within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every worksite in Victoria need a TMP?

Any works affecting a public road, footpath, or shared path in Victoria requires some level of traffic management documentation. Very low-risk works may be covered by a SWMS with a basic site diagram, but most worksites need a proper TMP.

Can I reuse a TMP from a previous job?

No. TMPs are site-specific and must accurately reflect the actual conditions, layout, and duration of each job. Reusing a TMP from a different location is non-compliant and can void your permit.

How far in advance should I order a TMP?

We recommend engaging a TMP designer at least 2–3 weeks before works commence to allow time for preparation, submission, and any required authority back-and-forth. For VicRoads-managed roads, allow at least 10 business days for approval alone.