The WA State Government has announced that automated traffic control devices will now be used on all highways, main roads and high volume, high speed local roads as part of measures aimed at protecting road workers.
The measure is consistent with recommendations from the Regional Roadworks Signage Review, which contained a total of 13 recommendations, all of which are being implemented.
Western Australia plans to have portable traffic control devices as the preferred method of traffic control on all roads in WA by early 2023. There will be some exceptions in place for low-risk scenarios, to allow for site set up and pack up and for emergency and incident management.
WA Minister for Transport Hon. Rita Saffioti said:
“Traffic controllers are essential to delivering road projects, and sadly we have seen a number of incidents in recent years where workers have been killed. Allowing them to continue delivering their work in a safe environment will be a critical change.”