Safety and a consistent approach to traffic management on road works sites will be the focus of a new collaborative approach by the Liberal Government, civil contractors and the RACT.
Improving our road infrastructure is a strong priority of the Liberal Government, and road works are a vital part of doing this.
However, we know that road works can cause frustration for drivers, particularly when variable signage is used or speed limits seem to be unreasonably low. Safety for workers and road users is paramount, but it’s also important that motorists are not unnecessarily inconvenienced.
The Liberal Government will work with the Civil Contractors’ Federation Tasmanian branch on a number of steps to improve safety and consistency in traffic management, including:
• Improved training arrangements and clear traffic management guidelines for all contractors;
• Using site audits to provide constructive feedback to contractors and establish industry best practice;
• Improved pre-qualification accreditation;
• Recognition of contractors who are ‘raising the bar’ in contractor performance scores and tender assessments.
The Liberal Government will also work with the RACT and Civil Contractors Federation to educate road users on what the rules are when driving through a road works site and why these rules are in place.
These initiatives will make works sites safer for road workers and road users and ensure all contractors work to consistent guidelines which drivers understand.
The Liberal Government is getting on with the job of delivering our long-term plan for Tasmania.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure
