The Tasmanian Government has engaged the Civil Contractors’ Federation to conduct traffic management audits on Department of State Growth road work sites to improve safety and consistency in traffic management.
Rene Hidding, State Minister for Infrastructure, said the audits were the first stage of delivering the government’s commitment to improve road works traffic management.
“Improving our road infrastructure is a strong priority and road works are a vital part of delivering this.
“We know drivers can become frustrated with delays during road works, particularly when variable signage is used or speed limits seem to be unreasonably low,” Minister Hidding said.
“We also recognise that, in some cases, signage at road works sites can be inconsistent and that contractors can do better in this area.
“These new traffic management audits are designed to improve the safety and consistency of road works sites.”
Mr Hidding said safety at road works was an important issue around Australia and his department was working with its counterparts in other states and industry bodies nationally to address the issue.
“With a number of construction projects underway across Tasmania in the warmer months, including six sites on the Midland Highway, I am reminding motorists that traffic management is an unavoidable part of road works and the workers are there to make roads more efficient and safer for the travelling public.”
Mr Hidding said at times, it may not be obvious why road signs were posted but he urged motorists be patient, slow down, obey the signage and take caution while travelling through road work sites.
“Every worker deserves to go home safely at the end of each day”.