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:
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46 multi-message frames
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3 utility vehicles (utes)
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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:
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4 traffic controllers (reduced from 8)
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1 utility vehicle (reduced from 3)
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A significantly reduced number of signs and devices, appropriate for the road conditions
This revised plan ensured:
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Full compliance with all relevant traffic management standards
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Safe execution of works for both road users and workers
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Streamlined resource use without compromising on operational quality
How STM Helped
STM’s approach demonstrated their core commitment to:
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Right-sized Planning – STM designed a traffic management setup suited to the specific job, not one driven by maximising equipment or staffing.
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Regulatory Compliance – All requirements for signage, personnel, and vehicle placement were met or exceeded.
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Safety First – Even with reduced numbers, safety on-site remained the top priority.
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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.
