Construction Traffic Management Plans (CTMPs): An Overview
Construction sites in urban areas require comprehensive Construction Traffic Management Plans (CTMPs) to ensure safety and minimise disruption. A traffic management plan is a strategic document that sets out how traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport will be managed around a construction site.
Its purpose is to minimise impacts on the surrounding road network and community while ensuring safe access for construction vehicles and workers.
When preparing a Construction Traffic Management Plan, two types of professionals are often considered: a Traffic Management Designer (TMD) and a qualified Traffic Engineer (holding TMD competency).
While both can contribute to traffic management planning, their backgrounds, qualifications, and authority differ significantly.
Traffic Management Designer (TMD): Roles and Qualifications
A TMD practitioner has completed Traffic Management Designer training under the Austroads Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) framework, with each state implementing its requirements.
In Queensland, for example, the QLD Government body, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) requires the recognised TMD course for anyone preparing Traffic Management Plans (TMPs) or Traffic Guidance Schemes (TGSs).
Importantly, not all TMDs are qualified engineers. Many TMDs have reached this role via an alternate pathway, progressing from field-based work as a Traffic Controller and gaining years of practical, on-road experience before undertaking TMD training.
They apply traffic control guidelines, signage layouts, and minimum standards to ensure compliance and on-site safety. While this experience gives them strong operational knowledge, their scope is generally limited to following established manuals and standardised treatments rather than performing broader engineering assessments.
Traffic Engineer with TMD Competency: Roles and Authority
A Traffic Engineer is a degree-qualified professional engineer specialising in transport, traffic operations, and road safety. Many are registered or accredited in their state (e.g., RPEQ in Queensland or registered under Victoria’s Professional Engineers Registration Act).
A Traffic Engineer with TMD competency can prepare TMPs and TGSs, but also brings advanced technical knowledge, including traffic flow modelling, swept path analysis, intersection capacity assessment, and broader network planning.
Importantly, where Construction Traffic Management Plans include non-standard measures or require formal certification, a Traffic Engineer can take professional responsibility for the plan, something a non-engineer TMD cannot do.
Key Differences: TMD vs Traffic Engineer for CTMPs
- A TMD can prepare standard TMPs and TGSs based on training and operational experience, often gained through years in the field.
- A Traffic Engineer with TMD competency adds higher-order analysis, professional accountability, and the authority to design and justify complex or non-standard arrangements.
- Many councils and state authorities require CTMPs to be prepared or reviewed by a Traffic Engineer for this reason.
Why a Traffic Engineer Is Often Required for CTMPs
Guaranteed Compliance and Approval
Construction Traffic Management Plans often require approval from the council or state road authority.
Many jurisdictions and councils mandate that CTMPs be prepared, reviewed, or approved by a qualified Traffic Engineer.
Their involvement ensures the traffic management plan meets Austroads TTM requirements (and state supplements such as QGTTM or TCAWS) and integrates with broader road network needs.
This helps avoid costly delays, penalties, or rejections due to non-compliance.
Expert Planning and Technical Analysis
Traffic Engineers can undertake technical assessments that go beyond standard layouts. For example, a swept path analysis may confirm that heavy vehicles can safely enter and exit the site, or a capacity assessment may demonstrate that lane closures will not cause unacceptable congestion.
These analyses reassure councils and road authorities that the traffic management plan is workable and safe.
Holistic Safety and Minimal Disruption
Unlike a narrowly focused traffic control approach, a Traffic Engineer considers all stakeholders, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and emergency services.
They can stage works to minimise disruption, schedule closures during off-peak periods, and design detours that reduce bottlenecks. This holistic view improves community outcomes and safety.
Professional Accountability and Flexibility
Where a CTMP proposes arrangements outside standard guidelines, most states require a registered engineer’s sign-off. A Traffic Engineer provides that accountability and can justify innovative or non-standard solutions. This allows for creative staging or temporary arrangements that save time and cost, while remaining safe and compliant.
Streamlined Project Execution
A well-engineered Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) improves communication with councils, transport agencies, and emergency services. This reduces approval times and ensures construction crews can operate without unnecessary disruption. Professional oversight also reduces the risk of unexpected traffic issues that can stall progress once works begin.
Bottom Line: Choosing Between TMD and Traffic Engineer for CTMPs
For construction projects of any significant size or complexity, it is a wise investment to engage a Traffic Engineer with TMD competency to prepare the Construction Traffic Management Plan.
Traffic Management Designers (TMDs) provide valuable, practical input and can competently prepare standard TMPs and TGSs, often drawing on years of hands-on field experience.
Traffic Engineers bring the technical depth, accountability, and professional authority that councils and road authorities expect for CTMP submissions.
With a Traffic Engineer’s stamp on your traffic management plan, you can be confident the plan is comprehensive, compliant, and optimised for safety, efficiency, and approval.
Looking for a CTMP specialised Traffic Engineer with TMD competency?
A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) is a document that sets out how traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport will be managed around a construction site. Its purpose is to keep the site safe, minimise disruption, and meet council or road authority requirements.
CTMPs can be prepared by either a Traffic Management Designer (TMD) or a qualified Traffic Engineer with TMD competency. Many councils and state road authorities, however, require CTMPs to be prepared or reviewed by a Traffic Engineer.
A TMD is trained in traffic management design and typically prepares standard Traffic Management Plans (TMPs) and Traffic Guidance Schemes (TGSs). A Traffic Engineer with TMD competency adds higher-level technical analysis, accountability, and the authority to certify complex or non-standard arrangements.
Yes. In most cases, councils and road authorities require CTMPs to be reviewed, signed off, or certified by a qualified Traffic Engineer. This ensures the plan meets compliance requirements and addresses broader traffic and safety considerations.
Engaging a Traffic Engineer provides additional benefits such as advanced technical analysis, stakeholder consideration, professional accountability, and streamlined approvals. Their expertise helps ensure the CTMP is safe, efficient, and compliant.
