A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is a detailed document that outlines how traffic will be managed safely around a work site, event, or road obstruction in New Zealand. Under the NZ Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM), a TMP is legally required for any activity that impacts the normal flow of traffic on public roads.
What Does a Traffic Management Plan Include?
A comprehensive TMP includes several key components that work together to ensure the safety of road users, workers, and pedestrians. The plan must be prepared by a qualified TMP designer and approved by the relevant road controlling authority before any work begins.
Key Components of a TMP
Traffic Assessment: This section looks at the existing traffic conditions at the site, including traffic volumes, vehicle types, peak periods, school zones, public transport routes, and cyclist and pedestrian movements. Understanding these patterns is essential for designing effective traffic management.
Temporary Traffic Management Layout: This is the core of the TMP. It includes detailed diagrams showing traffic cones, signs, barriers and other traffic control devices. The layout must comply with NZGTTM standards and account for sight distances, tapers, buffer zones and advance warning areas.
Speed Management: This covers temporary speed restrictions, their locations and the signage required to communicate them to drivers. Speed management is critical for worker safety and must be justified by the work zone conditions.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Management: This covers how pedestrians and cyclists move around the work site, including temporary footpaths, detours and signage. It is becoming more important as active transport grows across New Zealand.
Access and Egress: This explains how property access, emergency vehicle access and public transport stops will be managed during the works. It should consider all road users, including people with mobility challenges.
Implementation Schedule: This is the timeline for when traffic management measures will be installed, changed and removed. For longer projects, it may include stages that change as the work progresses.
Risk Assessment: This identifies the likely hazards and the measures used to manage them, including night work, bad weather and emergency situations.
When Do You Need a TMP in New Zealand?
A Traffic Management Plan is required for a wide range of activities including:
- Road construction and maintenance works
- Utility installations and repairs
- Building construction that affects the road
- Tree trimming and vegetation management
- Street cleaning and maintenance
- Special events that close or restrict roads
- Film and television production on public roads
- Emergency works (with subsequent TMP submission)
Even minor works on lower volume roads typically require at least a basic TMP to ensure compliance with WorkSafe New Zealand requirements and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
TMP Categories in New Zealand
The NZGTTM defines three categories of traffic management:
Category A applies to lower volume roads and simple work sites where traffic speeds are low and volumes are minimal. These plans are relatively straightforward but still require professional design.
Category B covers medium volume roads and more complex work sites. These plans require detailed analysis and more sophisticated traffic management measures.
Category C is for high volume roads, complex work sites, and situations requiring significant traffic disruption. Category C plans require the most detailed analysis and may include temporary traffic signals, detours, and extensive signage.
The TMP Design Process
The process of creating a Traffic Management Plan typically involves several stages:
1. Site Assessment: The designer checks traffic conditions, road geometry, surrounding land uses and site constraints.
2. TMP Design: The designer creates the traffic management layout, signage plans and supporting documentation.
3. Council Submission: The completed TMP is submitted to the relevant road controlling authority for approval. This may be the local council or NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for state highways.
4. Approval and Implementation: Once approved, the TMP is implemented by qualified STMS personnel who must carry a copy of the approved plan on site at all times.
5. Monitoring and Adjustment: The STMS monitors how the traffic management is working and makes changes as needed within the approved TMP.
How Much Does a TMP Cost in NZ?
TMP costs vary based on complexity, location, road category, and turnaround time. Simple Category A plans for quiet residential streets cost significantly less than complex Category C plans for state highways with multiple lanes and high traffic volumes. Rush jobs and after hours design work typically attract premium rates.
The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact us with your project details. We provide free, no obligation quotes within 24 hours.
How TM Matters Can Help
At TM Matters, our qualified TMP designers create professional, council ready Traffic Management Plans for projects of all sizes across New Zealand. We offer fast turnaround times, competitive pricing, and full support through the approval process. Contact us today for a quote on your TMP requirements.
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