The Problem

Superior Traffic Management (STM) was engaged by a client to review a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) drafted by another traffic management provider. The scope of work was straightforward: a house gas connection on a low-volume residential street in Brisbane with a challenging road configuration. The job was expected to take between 4 to 8 hours.

Upon review, STM found that the original TGS proposed an excessive level of resourcing for the scale and duration of the job. Specifically, it included:

• 46 multi-message frames

• 3 utility vehicles (utes)

• 8 traffic controllers

For a short-duration job in a quiet residential area, this setup appeared significantly over-resourced and inefficient.

The Solution

STM’s in-house Traffic Management Designer (TMD) carefully assessed the requirements and provided a revised TGS tailored to the actual conditions of the worksite. The goal was to maintain full compliance with safety regulations while eliminating unnecessary complexity and staffing.

The new STM-drafted TGS included:

• 4 traffic controllers (reduced from 8)

• 1 utility vehicle (reduced from 3)

• A significantly reduced number of signs and devices, appropriate for the road conditions

This revised plan ensured:

• Full compliance with all relevant traffic management standards

• Safe execution of works for both road users and workers

• Streamlined resource use without compromising on operational quality

How STM Helped

STM’s approach demonstrated their core commitment to:

1. Right-sized Planning – STM designed a traffic management setup suited to the specific job, not one driven by maximising equipment or staffing.

2. Regulatory Compliance – All requirements for signage, personnel, and vehicle placement were met or exceeded.

3. Safety First – Even with reduced numbers, safety on-site remained the top priority.

4. Client-Centric Thinking – STM provided a solution that respected the client’s time, project scope, and operational expectations.

Conclusion

This project showcases STM’s ability to identify over-designed solutions and deliver a more efficient, compliant, and safe alternative. By drawing on practical experience and a clear understanding of traffic management standards, STM provided a better outcome for the client — not through more, but through smart, right-sized planning.