Transport for NSW has recently commenced work on the next update to the Traffic control at work sites (TCAWS) manual. As part of this update, we are reviewing and updating the technical guidance provided for portable traffic control devices (PTCD).

PTCDs allow traffic controllers to perform their role at a safer distance from traffic and are an important part of reducing risk. Examples of PTCDs include boom barriers, portable traffic signals and combination boom barrier traffic signals.

During late July and early August, Transport’s Temporary Works Interface team will be holding some online workshops where we will be discussing the existing TCAWS content for PTCDs, outlining proposed changes and seeking industry feedback.

Some of the topics to be discussed will include:
• existing TCAWS requirements for PTCDs and whether they are clear and strict enough
• use of PTCDs instead of traffic controllers with stop/slow bats (manual/handheld)
• whether there should be more flexible requirements for low traffic volume roads
• manually operated portable traffic control devices versus the fully remote control devices that are currently included in TCAWS
• the use of Type 2 PTS (portable traffic signals) with a boom in automatic mode of operation.
• whether there are Transport requirements limiting the use of PTCDs

This online (MSTeams) workshop will run for approximately 90 minutes with opportunities for questions and feedback throughout the session.

We encourage those who regularly use PTCDs, supervise staff who use PTCDs or have a good understanding of existing practices to attend this workshop. That may include team leaders or supervisors and operations managers.

This will be a great opportunity to provide feedback, ask questions and gain an insight into what’s to come.

To express your interest in attending this event, please complete the RSVP form by Friday 15 July.

Depending on demand, numbers may need to be limited to a maximum of one or two representatives from each organisation.

There is also the opportunity to provide any feedback prior to the workshop on the same RSVP form.

For further information, please contact the Temporary Works Interface team via: standards@transport.nsw.gov.au