New Traffic Management Approach Enhances Safety and Reduces Costs

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has praised the New Plymouth District Council for its innovative traffic management approach, which has resulted in improved safety, reduced costs, and expedited road projects. The council’s implementation of the New Zealand Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Management is seen as a significant advancement ahead of the national rollout scheduled for January 2024.

The guidelines are designed to prioritize the safety of road workers and users by assessing potential risks and selecting appropriate traffic control methods and equipment. This initiative was partly motivated by public dissatisfaction with the excessive deployment of road cones in various locations. In a formal letter to the council, Bishop acknowledged their efforts, stating, “I commend you for your efforts in playing a key role in the transformational shift for the sector.”

Cost Savings and Project Efficiency

The New Plymouth District Council began applying these guidelines in 2022, ensuring that staff were adequately prepared for the upcoming changes. According to a council press release, Sarah Downs, the council’s general manager of operational excellence, reported a 6% reduction in traffic management costs, surpassing their initial target of 5%.

One notable example of the success of these guidelines is the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Princess St in Waitara. This project commenced in March 2023 and was completed by July 2024. Downs highlighted that this segment of the roundabout was completed in a quarter of the time typically required when using traditional stop-go traffic management.

Furthermore, the council coordinated with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to install a new water main during the project’s closure, which resulted in an estimated savings of approximately $100,000 in project costs. Downs emphasized that the guidelines not only minimize the reliance on road cones but also ensure that the traffic management plan is tailored to the specific work and location.

The positive impact of this new approach is expected to resonate across New Zealand, setting a precedent for other councils to follow as the national implementation of these guidelines approaches.