The Traffic Control at Work Sites (TCAWS) Manual is the primary guideline used in New South Wales to establish safe traffic control practices at roadwork and construction sites. Developed by Transport for NSW (TfNSW), the manual provides detailed requirements for planning, implementing and monitoring temporary traffic management arrangements to protect workers, road users and the public.
Any organisation undertaking roadworks, civil construction, utility works, maintenance activities or events that impact traffic flow on NSW roads must ensure that traffic management is implemented in accordance with the TCAWS Manual and any site-specific requirements issued by Transport for NSW, local councils or road authorities.
At The Traffic Controllers (Australia) Pty Ltd (TTCA), TCAWS compliance forms a fundamental part of every traffic management operation undertaken across New South Wales.
TCAWS stands for Traffic Control at Work Sites.
The manual provides practical guidance for:
Its purpose is to ensure that work activities affecting roads are conducted safely while minimising disruption to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Roadwork sites present unique risks due to the interaction between workers, vehicles, heavy machinery and the travelling public.
Without appropriate traffic control measures, work sites can result in:
The TCAWS Manual provides a structured framework to manage these risks through effective planning, implementation, monitoring and review of traffic management arrangements.
Compliance with TCAWS assists organisations in meeting their obligations under:
Any organisation undertaking activities that impact traffic conditions on NSW roads may be required to comply with TCAWS requirements.
Examples include:
Traffic management providers, contractors and subcontractors all share responsibility for ensuring traffic control arrangements are implemented correctly.
Every worksite should be assessed to identify hazards and determine the level of traffic management required.
Considerations include:
The selected traffic control measures must be appropriate to the risks identified.
Traffic Guidance Schemes provide standardised layouts showing how signs, devices and traffic controllers are positioned at a worksite.
These layouts assist contractors in establishing compliant work zones while maintaining safe traffic flow.
Where required, a Traffic Management Plan outlines:
TMPs provide the framework for managing traffic throughout the duration of a project.
TCAWS requires traffic control arrangements to be regularly inspected to ensure they remain effective.
Inspections typically include:
Documented inspections form an important part of demonstrating compliance.
Traffic Controllers must hold the appropriate qualifications and perform their duties in accordance with approved traffic management arrangements.
Their role is to:
Failure to comply with TCAWS requirements may result in:
More importantly, inadequate traffic management can place workers and road users at significant risk of injury.
TTCA provides traffic management services designed to meet the requirements of the TCAWS Manual and client-specific obligations.
Our capabilities include:
Our teams work across local government, civil construction, utilities, infrastructure and road maintenance projects throughout Australia.
TCAWS provides the recognised framework for traffic control at work sites in New South Wales and is commonly referenced within Transport for NSW requirements and project specifications.
Traffic management documentation should be prepared by appropriately qualified personnel in accordance with applicable requirements and project specifications.
Inspection requirements vary depending on the project, road authority and site conditions. Contractors should ensure inspections are undertaken in accordance with approved plans and client requirements.
A Traffic Guidance Scheme provides a layout for traffic control devices and personnel, while a Traffic Management Plan outlines the broader strategy for managing traffic risks throughout a project.
Requirements depend on factors such as road classification, speed environment, visibility and project-specific risk assessments.
The Traffic Control at Work Sites (TCAWS) Manual plays a critical role in ensuring the safe management of roadwork and construction activities across New South Wales. By providing a structured approach to traffic control planning, implementation and monitoring, TCAWS helps protect workers, motorists, pedestrians and the broader community.
For organisations undertaking works on or near roads, understanding and complying with TCAWS requirements is essential to achieving safe, efficient and compliant project outcomes.
For organisations involved in traffic management on New South Wales roads, RMS G10 is one of the most important accreditation frameworks.
Originally developed by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and now administered by Transport for NSW (TfNSW), the RMS G10 Scheme establishes the requirements for organisations providing traffic management services on NSW road networks.
RMS G10 accreditation demonstrates that a traffic management provider has the systems, procedures, resources and qualified personnel necessary to safely deliver traffic management services in accordance with Transport for NSW requirements.
Traffic management plays a critical role in protecting workers, motorists, pedestrians and the public.
Poorly managed work zones can result in:
The RMS G10 framework helps ensure that traffic management providers maintain consistent standards of safety, quality and operational capability across their business.
The RMS G10 Scheme evaluates an organisation’s ability to safely and effectively deliver traffic management services through assessment of:
Documented procedures for planning, service delivery, audits and continuous improvement.
Processes for risk management, incident reporting, safe work procedures and worker consultation.
Systems to ensure Traffic Controllers, Supervisors and Traffic Management personnel hold and maintain the required qualifications and competencies.
Access to suitable traffic control vehicles, signs, equipment, communication systems, Advanced Warning Vehicles and Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs).
RMS G10 accreditation is commonly required for:
Many principal contractors also require subcontractors providing traffic management services to hold RMS G10 accreditation.
While often referenced together, RMS G10 and TCAWS serve different purposes.
TCAWS (Traffic Control at Work Sites) provides guidance on how traffic control should be implemented at a worksite.
RMS G10 assesses whether an organisation has the capability, systems and resources to deliver those traffic management services safely and compliantly.
In simple terms:
Choosing an RMS G10 accredited traffic management provider offers confidence that the organisation has been independently assessed against recognised industry standards.
Benefits include:
TTCA maintains robust quality, safety and operational systems to support compliance with Transport for NSW requirements and industry best practice.
Our services include:
We support local government, civil construction, infrastructure and utility projects across Australia.
RMS G10 is the benchmark accreditation for traffic management providers operating on NSW road networks. It provides assurance that an organisation has the systems, competencies and resources required to safely manage traffic and protect workers, road users and the community.
For clients seeking reliable and compliant traffic management services, engaging an RMS G10 accredited provider is an important step towards achieving safe and successful project outcomes.
A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) is a diagram that shows how traffic control devices, signs, barriers and traffic controllers are to be positioned at a worksite to safely manage traffic around roadworks or other activities affecting the road network.
Traffic Guidance Schemes are an essential component of temporary traffic management and are commonly used on construction projects, utility works, road maintenance activities and special events.
The purpose of a TGS is to provide a clear and consistent layout that protects:
A properly designed TGS helps reduce confusion, improve traffic flow and minimise the risk of incidents within and around a work zone.
A typical TGS will identify:
The layout will vary depending on factors such as road classification, speed environment, traffic volumes and site-specific risks.
A Traffic Guidance Scheme is generally required whenever works impact the normal movement of traffic or pedestrians.
Examples include:
The TGS forms part of the planning process to ensure traffic control measures are implemented safely and effectively.
Traffic Guidance Schemes should be prepared by appropriately qualified traffic management personnel who understand relevant legislation, standards and road authority requirements.
The selected traffic control measures should always be suitable for the specific conditions and risks present at the worksite.
TTCA provides Traffic Guidance Schemes and traffic management solutions for civil construction, infrastructure, utility, maintenance and local government projects across Australia.
Our experienced team can assist with:
A Traffic Guidance Scheme is a critical traffic management document that outlines how traffic control measures will be implemented at a worksite. By providing a clear and compliant layout, a TGS helps ensure the safety of workers, road users and the broader community while supporting efficient project delivery.
A Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) is a specialised safety vehicle fitted with an energy-absorbing crash cushion designed to protect road workers, motorists and equipment from errant vehicles entering a work zone.
TMAs are commonly used on road construction, maintenance and infrastructure projects where workers are exposed to live traffic, particularly in higher-speed environments.
A TMA acts as a protective barrier between traffic and the work area.
If a vehicle fails to stop and collides with the TMA, the impact is absorbed by the attenuator, reducing the severity of the crash and helping to protect workers and road users.
TMAs are widely recognised as one of the most effective safety controls for mobile and stationary roadwork operations.
A TMA may be required when:
The need for a TMA should always be determined through a site-specific risk assessment and in accordance with relevant road authority requirements.
Road workers are often exposed to significant risks from passing traffic. A TMA provides an additional layer of protection that can significantly reduce the consequences of vehicle intrusions into a work zone.
Benefits include:
TTCA provides Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) and temporary traffic management solutions for road construction, maintenance, utility and infrastructure projects across Australia.
Our experienced team can assist with:
Truck Mounted Attenuators are an essential safety measure for many roadwork and traffic management operations. While requirements vary depending on road conditions, traffic volumes and project risks, TMAs are commonly used where workers are exposed to live traffic and additional protection is required.
A qualified traffic management provider can assess your project requirements and determine whether a TMA is necessary to ensure a safe and compliant worksite.
A Shadow Vehicle is a specially equipped traffic management vehicle used to provide protection for workers, plant and equipment operating on or near live roadways.
Positioned between approaching traffic and the work activity, a shadow vehicle creates a safety buffer designed to reduce the risk of vehicles entering the work area.
Shadow vehicles are commonly used on road maintenance, construction, utility and mobile work operations where workers are exposed to moving traffic.
The primary purpose of a shadow vehicle is to provide an additional layer of protection for workers and road users.
A shadow vehicle helps:
Increase visibility of the worksite
Warn approaching motorists of hazards ahead
Create a protective buffer zone
Reduce the risk of vehicle intrusions into the work area
Support compliance with traffic management requirements
Shadow vehicles are typically fitted with flashing warning lights, signage and communication equipment.
A shadow vehicle may be required when:
Conducting mobile works
Performing road maintenance activities
Operating on high-speed roads
Undertaking shoulder or lane closures
Working adjacent to live traffic
Specified within a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) or Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS)
The requirement for a shadow vehicle should always be determined through a site-specific risk assessment and relevant road authority requirements.
While both vehicles provide protection for workers, they serve different purposes.
A Shadow Vehicle provides visibility and a protective buffer for the work activity.
A Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) includes an energy-absorbing crash cushion designed to reduce the impact of a vehicle collision.
Depending on the project risks and road environment, a worksite may require a shadow vehicle, a TMA, or both.
TTCA provides shadow vehicles, advanced warning vehicles, TMA trucks and complete traffic management solutions for road construction, maintenance, utility and infrastructure projects across Australia.
Traffic Management Plans (TMPs)
Traffic Guidance Schemes (TGSs)
Traffic Control Services
Shadow Vehicles
Advanced Warning Vehicles
Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs)
A shadow vehicle is an important traffic management resource used to improve safety for workers and road users. By providing increased visibility and a protective buffer around work activities, shadow vehicles help reduce risks and support safe, compliant traffic management operations.
For projects involving live traffic environments, engaging an experienced traffic management provider can help determine the most appropriate traffic control measures for your worksite.
Local government projects often involve works on roads, footpaths, parks and public spaces where the safety of workers, motorists and pedestrians must be carefully managed.
Effective traffic management ensures that construction, maintenance and infrastructure projects can be completed safely while minimising disruption to the community.
Traffic management requirements for council projects may include:
Every project presents unique challenges depending on traffic volumes, road classifications, school zones, pedestrian activity and nearby businesses.
Experienced traffic management providers work closely with councils, contractors and stakeholders to develop practical traffic control solutions that maintain safety and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
TTCA supports local government projects across Australia, providing temporary traffic management services for road maintenance, capital works programs, utility installations, events and civil construction activities.
Whether undertaking minor maintenance works or large-scale infrastructure projects, effective traffic management is critical to ensuring safe outcomes for workers and the community.
Road resealing projects are essential for maintaining road quality, improving safety and extending pavement life. However, these works often occur on live road networks where traffic must continue to flow safely around work activities.
Traffic control plays a vital role in protecting workers, plant and road users throughout the resealing process.
Road resealing projects commonly require:
Because resealing works are often mobile in nature, traffic management arrangements must adapt to changing work locations and conditions throughout the day.
Proper planning helps minimise delays while maintaining safe separation between workers, heavy equipment and passing traffic.
TTCA provides traffic control solutions for spray sealing, asphalt resurfacing and pavement maintenance projects throughout Australia, supporting contractors, councils and road authorities with safe and compliant traffic management services.
Effective traffic control ensures road resealing projects can be completed efficiently while protecting both workers and the travelling public.
Utility works frequently require access to roads, footpaths and public spaces to install, repair or maintain essential infrastructure.
Whether the project involves electricity, telecommunications, gas, water or sewer services, effective traffic management is essential to protect workers and maintain public safety.
Utility projects often involve:
Traffic management solutions may include:
As many utility works occur in busy urban environments, careful planning is required to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users.
TTCA works with utility providers and contractors to deliver safe, compliant and practical traffic management solutions that support efficient project delivery while maintaining access and safety for the community.
From planned infrastructure upgrades to emergency response works, professional traffic management helps ensure utility projects are completed safely and efficiently.
Civil construction projects often involve activities that impact roads, intersections, pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure. Effective traffic control is essential to maintain safety while allowing construction works to proceed efficiently.
Traffic control for civil construction projects may be required for:
Depending on the project scope, traffic management measures may include:
Every project requires a site-specific assessment to identify risks and determine the most appropriate traffic control measures.
TTCA supports civil contractors throughout Australia with temporary traffic management services designed to protect workers, motorists and the public while maintaining compliance with applicable road authority requirements.
With experienced personnel, specialised equipment and proven traffic management systems, TTCA helps civil construction projects operate safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to surrounding communities.
Local government projects often involve works on roads, footpaths, parks and public spaces where the safety of workers, motorists and pedestrians must be carefully managed.
Effective traffic management ensures that construction, maintenance and infrastructure projects can be completed safely while minimising disruption to the community.
Traffic management requirements for council projects may include:
Every project presents unique challenges depending on traffic volumes, road classifications, school zones, pedestrian activity and nearby businesses.
Experienced traffic management providers work closely with councils, contractors and stakeholders to develop practical traffic control solutions that maintain safety and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
TTCA supports local government projects across Australia, providing temporary traffic management services for road maintenance, capital works programs, utility installations, events and civil construction activities.
Whether undertaking minor maintenance works or large-scale infrastructure projects, effective traffic management is critical to ensuring safe outcomes for workers and the community.
Road resealing projects are essential for maintaining road quality, improving safety and extending pavement life. However, these works often occur on live road networks where traffic must continue to flow safely around work activities.
Traffic control plays a vital role in protecting workers, plant and road users throughout the resealing process.
Road resealing projects commonly require:
Because resealing works are often mobile in nature, traffic management arrangements must adapt to changing work locations and conditions throughout the day.
Proper planning helps minimise delays while maintaining safe separation between workers, heavy equipment and passing traffic.
TTCA provides traffic control solutions for spray sealing, asphalt resurfacing and pavement maintenance projects throughout Australia, supporting contractors, councils and road authorities with safe and compliant traffic management services.
Effective traffic control ensures road resealing projects can be completed efficiently while protecting both workers and the travelling public.
Utility works frequently require access to roads, footpaths and public spaces to install, repair or maintain essential infrastructure.
Whether the project involves electricity, telecommunications, gas, water or sewer services, effective traffic management is essential to protect workers and maintain public safety.
Utility projects often involve:
Traffic management solutions may include:
As many utility works occur in busy urban environments, careful planning is required to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users.
TTCA works with utility providers and contractors to deliver safe, compliant and practical traffic management solutions that support efficient project delivery while maintaining access and safety for the community.
From planned infrastructure upgrades to emergency response works, professional traffic management helps ensure utility projects are completed safely and efficiently.
Civil construction projects often involve activities that impact roads, intersections, pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure. Effective traffic control is essential to maintain safety while allowing construction works to proceed efficiently.
Traffic control for civil construction projects may be required for:
Depending on the project scope, traffic management measures may include:
Every project requires a site-specific assessment to identify risks and determine the most appropriate traffic control measures.
TTCA supports civil contractors throughout Australia with temporary traffic management services designed to protect workers, motorists and the public while maintaining compliance with applicable road authority requirements.
With experienced personnel, specialised equipment and proven traffic management systems, TTCA helps civil construction projects operate safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to surrounding communities.
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