Case Examples - More efficient TTM solutions

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Council’s tree maintenance operations historically operated with each of two tree crews supported full time on site by temporary traffic management (TTM) vehicles and traffic controllers.  At every site the TTM contractor set up a static work site to protect the works and separate the site from traffic.    

The Solutions in Transport review undertaken with Council’s Team Leaders confirmed the suitability for alternatives utilising Short Term Low Impact Works Practices.  A set of generic diagrams and simple-to-use selection process was developed with crews trained in its use. 

Council trials identified subsequently at 90% of the sites, TTM support was no longer needed.  Crews utilised one of the generic diagrams and installing the devices accordingly. TTM support was then only requested only for sites where generic diagrams could not be applied.  These works were grouped to rationalise the best use of the TTM support when it was required.  

As well as delivering a 90% reduction ($350k per annum) in TTM contractor costs, the greatest benefit was introducing a “common sense approach” which still compliant with guidelines.  The reduction in unnecessary TTM led to a doubling of crew productivity and significantly less overall safety risk, taking into considering all of the workers (including TTM workers) on site.   

Council’s tree maintenance team believed they needed to specify the TTM required for the traffic management company to develop a TGS and supply the necessary staff.  The TTM company were in the practice of closing lanes around the council works vehicle whenever it was on site, so this was the understood requirement.    

At the site depicted, a TGS for lane closures at a three-way intersection was therefore developed.  A second TTM vehicle was subsequently required with its team of two TCs.  The site took an hour to implement and a further half hour to pack up following the works.  Including the designer costs, this site cost Council in excess of $1000 in TTM contractor expenses.  

What was the task?  A single small branch at shoulder height needed to be cut off the tree at the intersection corner.  This task itself, including throwing the branch into the chipper took less than one minute.  

The Solutions in Transport solution - Park the works vehicle legally at the side of the road and lane closures are not required.  Cut the branch off waiting for a gap in traffic with another worker acting as a spotter.  The result - the total time on site took less than 5 minutes with external TTM not required.