HB81 8-2000

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and detours on urban roads

HB 81.8—2000
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HB 81.8—2000
FIELD GUIDE
for
TRAFFIC CONTROL AT WORKS ON ROADS
Part 8: Long-term partial closures and detours on urban roads
COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia International
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of the
publisher.
Published by Standards Australia International Ltd
GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 3597 5
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PREFACE
This Handbook has been prepared to provide guidance for personnel engaged in works on roads in urban
areas involving roadway closures for continuous periods of more than one day and up to approximately
three weeks. It covers both mid-block and intersection works on all types of urban roads other than
expressways and freeways. It is intended to be used primarily as a field reference guide.
The Handbook has been prepared to cover a specific area of roadworks signage. It contains only those
provisions of AS 1742.3*, which are considered to apply in the particular cases with which it deals, and
for convenience, reproduces them in summary form. It is not intended to supersede AS 1742.3 and in
any cases where there may appear to be differences in specified requirements or recommendations, or
where matters could be interpreted differently from that Standard, it is intended that the Standard
specification, recommendation or interpretation should prevail.
Assistance in the preparation of this Handbook was provided by representatives of the following
organizations:
Department of Transport, South Australia
Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Tasmania
Main Roads Department, Queensland
Roads and Traffic Authority, N.S.W.
VicRoads
WorkCover N.S.W.
Other Handbooks in this series are listed on the back cover.
* AS 1742.3, Manual of uniform traffic control devices, Part 3: Traffic control devices for works on roads.
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CONTENTS
Page
1 WHERE TO USE THIS HANDBOOK.....................................................................4
2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ...........................................................................................4
3 HOW TO USE SIGNS AND DEVICES..............................................................................8
4 MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKPLACE ........................................................................17
5 CHANGING BETWEEN A WORKING SITE AND AN
UNATTENDED SITE .......................................................................................................20
6 SPEED LIMITS.................................................................................................................21
7 DETOURS.........................................................................................................................22
8 INTERSECTION WORKS................................................................................................23
9 TOLERANCES ON DIMENSIONS..................................................................................23
10 WORKS SITE RECORDS ................................................................................................24
11 SAFETY AUDITS.............................................................................................................25
12 ARRANGEMENT DIAGRAMS .......................................................................................25
APPENDICES
A SIGNS AND DEVICES USED IN THIS HANDBOOK ................................................54
B SAFETY AUDIT CHECKLIST .....................................................................................59
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STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Handbook No. 81.8—2000

Field guide for traffic control at works on roads
Part 8: Long-term partial closures and detours on urban roads
1 WHERE TO USE THIS HANDBOOK

This Handbook should be used where your work involves a partial or complete
roadway closure which is to be left unattended for periods varying from one night up
to about two or three weeks, or for a detour to be in place for about the same time.
It applies to works on urban arterial roads and local streets. It does not apply to
freeways or expressways (see HB 81.7) or long-term works on rural roads (see
HB 81.9).
2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The following is a list of general requirements for supervisors to observe when
carrying out the kinds of works on roads covered by this Handbook:
© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

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(a) Give advance warning where needed On all roads except very low speed roads
you must provide advance warning at the distances from your work area shown
in the arrangement diagrams.
On very low speed roads, that is, roads on which traffic speeds are always less
than 60 km/h, you will not need advance signs as long as you ensure that
approaching drivers can see bollards or temporary hazard markers at the
beginning of the work, in plenty of time to be able to pass your work site safely.
(b) Delineate the works clearly Make sure that traffic is clearly shown the path it
must take through the works, as follows:
(i) Use rows of temporary hazard markers to form the leading side of tapers
at lane merges and diverges, but don’t ‘over-delineate’ by having them on
both sides or having them too close together so that they confuse drivers.
(ii) Use traffic cones or bollards with reflective sleeves, or post mounted
delineators to guide traffic past the work area. You will need to fix cones
or bollards to the pavement or weight them down if they are likely to be
dislodged by traffic.
(iii) Use temporary raised reflective pavement markers and on high-speed
roads, temporary linemarking, if you need to create a new line to separate
opposing directions of traffic.
(iv) Use the arrangement diagrams in the back of the book as a guide to where
each of these devices should be used, how they should be placed and how
far apart you should place them.
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(c) Place signs where they will do their job properly Observe the following:
(i) Place signs at least 1 metre clear of traffic paths wherever possible.
(ii) Ensure signs are mounted securely and will not blow over or around.
(iii) See that signs are placed in the driver’s line-of-sight, and not too far off to
one side.
(iv) Ensure that signs are not obscured by parked cars, trees, poles or other
obstructions. You may sometimes need to move them forward or back a
few metres from the positions shown on the arrangement diagrams.
Tolerance on the positioning of advance signs are given in Paragraph 9.
(v) Do not allow the signs themselves to obscure a driver’s view of other
signs or other traffic on the road.
(vi) Make sure that signs are not a hazard to pedestrians or other road users.
(vii) Ensure that signs cannot deflect vehicles into wrong or dangerous paths.
(viii) If you have advance signs that are to be in place for more than one day,
including signs that may be covered up if the work area is opened to
traffic at any time during the period of the work, mount them on posts at a
minimum height of 2.2 metres above pavement level to the underside of
the sign.
(d) Cover up any existing permanent signs that don’t apply If there are any
existing signs near the works site that could give the wrong message or confuse
drivers, cover them up for the duration of your work.
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(e) Provide safe and convenient paths for pedestrians The path must be as
convenient as possible as well as safe, because if it is not, pedestrians will put
themselves at risk by walking elsewhere. Pedestrian paths should be at least
1.2 metres wide.
If a temporary pedestrian path is not well lit, make sure there are no places
where a pedestrian can go astray, trip over or run into an obstacle.
(f) Do not force drivers to break the law Make sure your traffic diversions do not
force drivers to disobey regulatory signs or pavement markings such as turn
arrows. You may need to cover or remove these devices if this is a problem. If
you are forcing drivers to cross continuous or double centre (separation) lines,
make sure they can do so safely. You may have to remove the line or part of it,
to avoid forcing drivers to break the law.
(g) Remove signs and devices at the finish of the work Be sure you collect all
signs, including advance signs, and all delineating devices before finally leaving
the site and opening it up to traffic.
(h) Works hidden around a bend If your road closure is hidden around a bend, you
must extend the full width of the closure back towards oncoming traffic until
drivers can see the whole of your taper before they get to it (see Figure 9).

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(c) Forming tapers using temporary hazard markers Unlike daytime-only works
where tapers can be formed with traffic cones, tapers leading past work areas
which may be left unattended overnight or at weekends should always be formed
with temporary hazard markers on the leading side of the taper, that is, the side
that faces traffic as it approaches. They need to be placed in a smooth line so
that they look like the edge of the traffic path. Never put them on both sides of
the taper as you will end up with a confusing pattern of markers for night-time
traffic. Use cones, bollards or post mounted delineators only on the other side.
The spacings of temporary hazard markers and other devices are shown in the
arrangement diagrams.
T5-4 Wide temporary hazard marker T5-5 Narrow temporary hazard marker

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The approximate length of taper you need to close a lane or lead traffic past an
obstruction, and the spacing of temporary hazard markers along the taper are as
follows:
(i) Low speed roads (traffic —taper length generally 15 to 20 metres, but
speeds seldom exceed increase to 30 metres if two streams of traffic
60 km/h) have to merge into one.
Space the temporary hazard markers up to 8
metres apart.
(ii) All other cases in urban areas (not freeways or expressways)

—70 metres if you are diverting a single
traffic stream from one lane to another in the
same direction; or
—140 metres if you are making two streams
of traffic merge into one lane.
You will need twice the above taper lengths if you have to divert traffic across
two lanes.
Adjust the positions of any markers that might obstruct access to any driveways
along the length of the taper.

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A fence may be left in position overnight but must not be used to delineate your
work area for motor traffic. Because it cannot be seen properly at night other
methods of delineation must be used.
Lightweight interconnected units can be substituted for mesh fencing or
containment tape but they will not meet the required standards for temporary
safety barriers.
(i) Temporary safety barriers For longer term jobs or jobs where there may be
special hazard to your workers or to road users you should consider protecting
your work area with a temporary safety barrier. This is designed to provide a
strong physical barrier between traffic and the work area which will give some
protection from vehicles running into it. You should consider using it to protect
traffic from hazards like bridge piers or deep excavations, or to protect workers
or pedestrian traffic where you cannot get enough clearance for them to work in
safety otherwise (see Paragraph 4).
You must protect the end of a safety barrier from being hit by a vehicle, either
by tapering the end of the barrier away from oncoming traffic or using a special
energy absorbing device. Be aware that if a vehicle runs into the barrier, the
barrier may move backwards. Make sure this will not be a hazard to your
workers if it happens.
(j) Protecting pedestrians at a footpath closure Figure 1 shows pedestrians
diverted onto the roadway. You must always use temporary safety barriers to
provide full protection for pedestrians in such cases.
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(k) Control of parking You may have to arrange for parking to be banned at your
work site if either parked cars would not leave enough room for traffic to pass
your work area or parking would obscure vital signs or delineating devices on
the approach to your job. No-stopping signs on temporary supports like that
shown below will be satisfactory for a day or two. For longer periods, post
mounted parking signs or temporary changes to existing post mounted parking
signs will be necessary. You may need to arrange for council parking officers to
place either the temporary or post mounted signs.
(l) Using traffic signals* Portable traffic signals will normally be provided with
instructions on how to set them up and how to programme them for shuttle
operation. It is vital that you follow these instructions, particularly as to setting
* You may need special formal approval to use traffic signals.

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the timings. If you are in any doubt about how to do this you must obtain
assistance. Figure 7 shows only a single signal head on each approach. Wherever
possible you should try to provide a second signal head on the right hand side of
the road on each approach.
Portable or temporary traffic signals can generally handle up to about 700

vehicles per hour (total of both directions) provided the distance between
signals at each end is not more than 100 metres. For longer distances the traffic
handling capacity will be less. You may need guidance in this case.
Use the Traffic Signals (symbolic) and PREPARE TO STOP signs together in
advance of the signals as shown in Figure 7. If you cannot provide a stop line on
the pavement use the STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL sign to show where you
want traffic to stop. It is advisable to use both the sign and a stop line.

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(m) Using pavement markings Wherever you divert both directions of traffic on a
2-way road other than a street which does not carry through traffic, you must use
temporary pavement markings to show the diverted centre (separation) line and
cover up any existing lines that are in the wrong place. Temporary raised
reflective pavement markers will suffice on low speed roads, but on high speed
roads you must use painted lines as well as reflective markers. Cones or bollards
cannot be relied on for this purpose.
When the job is finished, remove any existing markers or markings that give the
wrong message.
4 MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKPLACE

You are required by law to maintain a safe workplace. This includes protecting your
workers from oncoming or passing traffic as well as other hazards of the job within
your work area. The basic rules for protecting your workers from traffic are as
follows:
(a) If you have not closed any of the road or shoulder and your entire work area
including all vehicles and plant is located more than 3 metres clear of the nearest
running lane you will need no signs or delineation of your work area other than
the worker (symbolic) sign in advance of the site. You may need to use a
containment fence to make sure all workers and plant keep outside the 3 metre
limit (see Option 1 on page 19).

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(b) If your people are working closer than 3 metres from the edge of the nearest
running lane you must use one of the following options:
(i) Provide a rigid safety barrier between your work area and traffic, see
Paragraph 3(i).
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(ii) Restrict workers from working closer than 1.2 metres (1.5 metres in some
States) to the line of cones or bollards separating the work area from the
traffic stream using a containment fence, see Paragraph 3(h). The
arrangement diagrams at the back of the book mostly show this option and
they also show where to place the Worker (symbolic) signs and for high
speed roads, the temporary 60 km/h roadworks speed limit signs you will
need if you use this option (see Option 3 on next page).
(iii) If you do not have a safety barrier and cannot maintain the 1.2 metre
clearance between your workers and the traffic stream, you must install a
40 km/h roadworks speed limit whenever your workers are on site on any
road other than a residential street carrying no through traffic. The 40
signs are placed with the Worker (symbolic) signs where shown on the
arrangement diagrams.
You must avoid the third option on any road where the normal speed limit
is more than 60 km/h or traffic speeds are noticeably faster than 60 km/h,
except in an emergency (see Option 4 on next page).
(c) Traffic controllers are excluded from the above requirements.
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Option 1 No need for any roadworks signs other Option 2 Use advance roadworks signs and traffic
than the worker (symbolic) sign. Use containment delineation, but no need for a 60 speed limit when
tape or mesh fence only to contain the work area. people are working.
Option 3 Worker (symbolic) signs and 60 speed Option 4 Avoid this if possible. If you have to do it
limit signs are needed in this case. you must have Worker (symbolic) signs and a 40
speed limit.

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5 CHANGING BETWEEN A WORKING SITE AND AN UNATTENDED SITE

For a job that will take more than one day or one shift and will be left unattended for
some of the time, the changeover from attended to unattended and vice versa should
be done as follows:
(a) At the beginning of the first working shift, set up the site as an unattended site.
(b) Add the extra signs, i.e. the Worker (symbolic) signs and any temporary 60 (or
40) roadworks speed limit signs that are required.
(c) Add fencing or containment tapes within the site to control clearance between
the work area and passing traffic.
(d) At the end of the working shift, remove or cover up the Worker (symbolic) signs
and the temporary 60 (40) speed limit signs but you can leave the containment
fence.
(e) Also at the end of the working shift, especially if it is to be left for a few days,
you might be able to open up a little more of the road beside the work area. You
don’t need the 1.2 metre clearance if there are no workers on site.
(f) At the beginning of the next working shift replace the Worker (symbolic) signs
and the 60 (40) speed limit signs. If necessary, reposition or replace the line of
cones or bollards to re-establish the 1.2 metre safety clearance between your
work area and traffic.

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If the work area is to be left unattended for long periods you should try to reopen as
much of the road as you can. If you can completely reopen it, you will need to cover
up all your advance signs and remove tapers and other delineating devices. Road
condition signs such as Slippery Surface (symbolic) or Loose Stones (symbolic) must
be used if you have those conditions.
6 SPEED LIMITS
It is unlikely that you will need to have a roadwork speed limit at your work site
during hours that there are no workers on site. Works on low speed roads will be
adequately covered by existing 60 km/h (or lower) limits, and the taper lengths and
advance sign distances shown in the arrangement diagrams will generally be
satisfactory on higher speed roads in existing speed zones up to 80 km/h.
However, when work resumes each day, you may need to put out speed limit signs
according to the safe workplace option from Paragraph 4 that you are using. You will
always need to put out 40 km/h signs if using Option 4, but if you only required a
60 km/h* speed limit as in Option 3, signs will only be needed if the existing speed
limit is greater than 60 km/h. When you put out speed limit signs, make sure you put
signs at the end of the site to return traffic to the original speed limit. The relevant
arrangement diagrams in the book show you where to place the signs. They must be
removed at the end of each work shift, see Paragraph 5.
* Regulations in some States may require you to use a lower speed limit than 60 km/h always at an active
roadworks site. You may also need special formal approval to use any roadwork speed limit.
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8 INTERSECTION WORKS
Figures 11 and 12 give examples of how to lay out works at intersections where one
leg of the intersection is a minor road. If the after-hours traffic volumes in such cases
are low enough that traffic can sort itself out without controllers it will be possible to
leave sites like these unattended.
At the intersection of two busy roads and in other cases where traffic is too heavy to
allow the closure to remain unattended, it will be necessary to have traffic controllers
on site and possibly work a night shift until the job is completed. In such cases you
should continue the work using the appropriate arrangement diagram shown in
HB 81.1 or HB 81.4.
9 TOLERANCES ON DIMENSIONS
Many of the distances and spacings shown on the arrangement diagrams are given as
single numbers, i.e. they are not shown either as a maximum/minimum or a range.
The general tolerances allowed on these distances are as follows:
(a) Advance sign and ‘end’ sign distances, and taper lengths—
(i) minimum, 10% less than the distances shown;
(ii) maximum, 25% more than the distances shown.
(b) Spacing of delineating devices—
(i) maximum, 10% more than the spacing shown (or the upper limit of
spacing where there is a range);
(ii) no minimum.
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These tolerances are to give you a little flexibility as to where you place signs and
devices. You may need to move signs forward or back a little to avoid an obstacle or
a bad position for some other reason.
10 WORKS SITE RECORDS

Always keep a record of your works site. You should record the following:
(a) the Handbook number and Figure number of the arrangement diagram you have
used or most nearly fits your works site arrangement.
(b) Any variations you have made from the Figure such as the following:
(i) Changes to the general layout.
(ii) Changes to taper lengths, advance sign distances or device spacings.
(iii) Additional signs and devices used.
(iv) Different signs that have been substituted.
(v) Any signs left out.
You may need a sketch plan to record the differences.
(c) The location of speed limits that were imposed, the times and dates they started
and finished and the times at which any limits were changed during the course
of the work.
The authority for whom you are working may require you to follow a pro-forma in
recording these and any other details they require.
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If there is an accident involving the public at your site or any event from which legal
proceedings might arise, you should take particular care to record exactly the layout
of the work area and the position of all your signs and cones. Photographs can be
very useful in such cases. Record also the actual width available for traffic, the
condition of the pavement and the weather.
This information could be critical if there are legal proceedings, especially if as often
happens, the proceedings occur long after the event.
11 SAFETY AUDITS
Your work sites may be subjected to safety audits from time to time. At Appendix B
is the kind of checklist a safety auditor might use. You should use it to see how well
your work site would stand up to such scrutiny.
12 ARRANGEMENT DIAGRAMS
Select the arrangement diagram you need from the list in Table 1 and then refer to the
corresponding illustration. The illustrations are for typical cases and may need to be
modified slightly to fit a particular works site. Try to follow the principles underlying
each diagram.

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TABLE 1
SELECTING AN ARRANGEMENT DIAGRAM
Figure
Works situation Remarks
number
Closing a footpath—low and high 1 You must always use a temporary safety barrier to protect
speed road pedestrians from motor traffic. See Paragraph 3(j).
Part closure on a residential street 2 This treatment will also suit a closure on a low speed low
volume commercial street. Surrounding the entire work area
with plastic mesh fencing to keep pedestrians out, is
recommended.
Left or parking lane closed—low- 3 Should only be used in places such as business or shopping
speed, busy road streets where speeds seldom exceed 60 km/h.
Left or parking lane closed—high- 4 Special attention must be given to placing advance signs
speed, busy road, divided or where they will be seen by approaching traffic, especially
undivided to ensure that they are not obscured by parked cars.
One side of roadway closed 5 Should only be used in places such as business or shopping
completely—low-speed busy road streets where speeds seldom exceed 60 km/h. Temporary
raised reflective pavement markers must be used to show
the altered centre (separation) line.
One side of roadway closed 6 Temporary line marking supplemented with raised
completely—high speed busy road reflective pavement markers must be used in this case.
Single lane operation using 7 Make sure the signal timings are set correctly. You may
portable traffic signals need to ban parking on the right side of the road.

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Figure
Works situation Remarks
number
Closing two lanes of a multilane 8 Ensure that the full advance sign distances and taper
road—divided or undivided lengths are used here. Traffic has to merge twice and needs
plenty of room to do this.
Works around a bend or over a 9 Shows one example of a work area just beyond a bend or
crest over a crest (i.e. the same case as Figure 4). All merging or
diverging of traffic must be done before reaching the bed or
crest.
Detouring traffic using side streets 10 See Paragraph 7 for more guidance on detouring traffic.
Works at the intersection of a 11
minor road and a low speed road
See Paragraph 8 for more guidance on handling works at
Works at the intersection of a 12 intersections.
minor road and a high speed busy
road

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FIGURE 1 CLOSING A FOOTPATH

You must always use a safety barrier to protect pedestrians at an unattended
site (except on very low speed residential streets)
If this treatment causes traffic to be diverted from its normal path, you will
need to add the treatment shown in Figure 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

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© Standards Australia
HB 81.8—2000
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FIGURE 2 PART CLOSURE ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET

Use this case only on streets such as residential streets where there is no
through traffic and no painted centre line on the road.
It applies where all traffic travels at less than 60 km/h (i.e. very low speed).
If there is through traffic, you must use advance signs and a taper, e.g. see
Figure 3.

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FIGURE 3 LEFT OR PARKING LANE CLOSED—

LOW-SPEED BUSY ROAD
Use this case when traffic past the work area has only a small effect on traffic
in the opposite direction (at least 2 metre width left for traffic between bollards
and centre line). It applies if the work site is within an existing 60 km/h (or
lower) speed limit and traffic speeds are almost always less than 70 km/h.
If traffic in the opposite direction has to be diverted to the left for safety, use
figure 5.
Refer to Paragraph 4 if you can’t maintain 1.2 metres clearance between
workers and adjacent traffic when workers are on site.

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FIGURE 4 CLOSING LEFT OR PARKING LANE ON BUSY

HIGH-SPEED ROAD—DIVIDED OR UNDIVIDED
Use this case if most traffic past the work area can pass without crossing the
centre line. Otherwise use Figure 6.

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FIGURE 5 LOW-SPEED BUSY ROAD—CLOSING ONE SIDE

COMPLETELY
This case applies if the work site is within an area where traffic speeds
seldom exceed 60 km/h.
To maintain 2-way traffic past the work area in this case when the site is
unattended, you must have at least 7 metres clearance for traffic and mark the
temporary centre line with raised reflective pavement markers. A temporary
single unbroken line may be added along the line of the markers.

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FIGURE 6 HIGH SPEED BUSY ROAD—CLOSING ONE SIDE

COMPLETELY
A temporary centre line on a high-speed road when the site is unattended
must comprise as a minimum a painted double barrier line with raised
reflective pavement markers. The line should be single opposite side streets
and driveways.

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FIGURE 7 SINGLE LANE OPERATION WITH PORTABLE

SIGNALS—LOW OR HIGH-SPEED BUSY ROAD
On high-speed roads you may need a second signal unit on the right-hand
side of the road—as shown dotted on the Figure.

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FIGURE 8 CLOSING TWO LANES OF A MULTI-LANE ROAD—

DIVIDED OR UNDIVIDED

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43
HB 81.8—2000
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HB 81.8—2000 44
FIGURE 9 EXAMPLE OF WORKS AROUND A BEND OR

OVER A CREST
If the work area is hidden or partially hidden around a bend or over a crest, all
merging or diverging of traffic into new lanes or paths must be done before
reaching the bend or crest. This Figure is an example of how to do it if, say,
you had the Figure 4 case at your work area.

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HB 81.8—2000
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HB 81.8—2000 46
FIGURE 10(a) TRAFFIC IS DETOURED USING SIDE

STREETS—BOTH DIRECTIONS DETOURED
You will need to place DETOUR signs at turns along the detour to guide traffic
through the detour and back to the original route.
Paragraph 7 tells you how to do this.
You must not create a detour without obtaining guidance or approval if
necessary, from higher authority. Advance advice and possibly consultation
with people affected by the detour will often be necessary.

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HB 81.8—2000
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HB 81.8—2000 48
FIGURE 10(b) TRAFFIC IS DETOURED USING SIDE

STREETS—ONE DIRECTION DETOURED
You will need to place DETOUR signs at turns along the detour to guide traffic
through the detour and back to the original route.
Paragraph 7 tells you how to do this.
You must not create a detour without obtaining guidance or approval if
necessary, from higher authority. Advance advice and possibly consultation
with people affected by the detour will often be necessary.

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HB 81.8—2000
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HB 81.8—2000 50
FIGURE 11 INTERSECTION OF A MINOR ROAD

AND A LOW-SPEED ROAD
If you cannot achieve the minimum width of 6 metres for two-
way traffic on the minor street you may have to have some
form of one-lane traffic control—depending on the length of
the one-way section and the number of vehicles wanting to
use it. You will need guidance in such a case. You may also
need pavement markets on the major road as in Figure 5.
Refer to Paragraph 4 if you can’t maintain 1.2 metres
clearance between workers and adjacent traffic when workers
are on site.

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HB 81.8—2000
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HB 81.8—2000 52
FIGURE 12 INTERSECTION OF A MINOR ROAD

AND A HIGH-SPEED BUSY ROAD
If you cannot achieve the minimum width of 6 metres for two-
way traffic on the minor street you may have to have some
form of one-lane traffic control—depending on the length of
the one-way section and the number of vehicles wanting to
use it. You will need guidance in such a case.
Refer to Paragraph 4 if you can’t maintain 1.2 metres
clearance between workers and adjacent traffic when workers
are on site.

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HB 81.8—2000 54
APPENDIX A
SIGNS AND DEVICES USED IN THIS HANDBOOK

The following Table shows the various signs and devices you may need if you are
using this Handbook.
Needed in advance of all works left overnight.

T1-1
Flashing yellow lamps are required with this sign.
Used in addition to T1-1 in advance of a detour.

T1-6
See Figure 10.
T1-5 Needed when workers are on site.
Used with the Traffic Signals advance sign. See

T1-18
Figure 7.
T1-30 Traffic signals advance sign. See Figure 7.

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55 HB 81.8—2000
Used in conjunction with detour signs as shown in

T2-4
Figure 10.
T2-6-1 Lane status sign. Used where you have two (or
three) lanes merging into one (or two). See
T2-6-2 Figures 6, 8 and 12.
Required at the end of all work sites where the

T2-16 ROADWORK AHEAD sign has been used. The
T2-17 narrow version of this sign is preferred for urban
area works.
Used to show where a detour has ended and

T2-23
traffic is back on its original route. See Figure 10.
T5-1 Used at the point where a detour begins and at

(L or R) intersections along the detour. See Figure 10.
Large temporary hazard marker. Used to form the

T5-4 leading side of tapers and elsewhere to divert
traffic past an obstacle.

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HB 81.8—2000 56
Small temporary hazard marker. Used in locations

T5-5
where the T5-4 will not fit. See Figure 6.
Detour marker. Paragraph 7 gives advice on how

T5-6 to use this marker instead of the DETOUR (T5-1)
sign.
Used to guide pedestrians along temporary

T8-2
footpaths. See Figure 1.
Needed wherever a speed limit is imposed. Use

R4-1
the “B” size (600 × 800 mm)
Used with a speed limit sign at the start of a

R4-3
buffer zone.
Used to control parking at or near your work site.

R5-35
See Paragraph 3(k).

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57 HB 81.8—2000
Used with temporary traffic signals to show

R6-6
drivers where to stop at the signals. See Figure 7.
Needed at a detour if some local traffic requires

G9-40 access along the original road or street. See
Figure 10.
Cones, bollards and post mounted delineators.

— Used to delineate the outer edge of your job and
the non-leading side of tapers.
Plastic mesh fencing. Used to keep pedestrians

—
out of the work area.
Containment tape. Used to cordon off your

— working area to maintain clearance between
workers and traffic.
Temporary safety barrier. Used to provide a

— strong physical barrier between the work area and
traffic.

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HB 81.8—2000 58
Barrier boards. Paragraph 3(g) tells you how to

— use these. Steady yellow lamps must be used on
barrier boards.
Raised reflective pavement markers. Use these to

— form a temporary centre (separation) line. See
Figures 5 and 6.
Trailer mounted flashing arrow sign. Use as

— shown in Figures 4, 6, 8 and 12. Do not use in
conjunction with traffic signals.
Portable traffic signal unit. See Figure 7. More

— advice on using traffic signals is given in
Paragraph 3(l).

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59 HB 81.8—2000
APPENDIX B
SAFETY AUDIT CHECKLIST

Your work sites may be subjected to safety audits from time to time. This is the kind of
checklist a safety auditor might use. You should use it to see how well your work site would
stand up to such scrutiny.
Item Yes No N/A
PROVISION FOR WORKS
1 Has a traffic control plan been
selected or provided (e.g. an
HB 81 Figure reference)
2 Is the plan relevant for the
work
3 Are sign sizes correct
4 Are signs in pairs where
needed
5 Have roadworks speed limits
been determined correctly
6 Are flashing arrow signs
available
7 Has possible traffic
congestion been considered
and steps taken to avoid it

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Item Yes No N/A

8 Have needs of other road
users been provided for (e.g.
pedestrians, cyclists)
9 Has proper access to side
roads and properties been
provided for
IMPLEMENTATION
10 Are all roadworks signs and
devices installed according to
the plan
11 Are roadworks signs suitably
placed with regard to:
(a) sight distance
(b) drivers approaching at high
speed
(c) queue lengths
(d) visibility, shade, light glare
12 Are there any contradictory,
distracting or superfluous
signs or markings which need
to be covered up or removed
13 Are signs appropriate for
current conditions

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61 HB 81.8—2000
Item Yes No N/A

14 Are there any damaged or
defective signs
15 Are clearances between
workers and adjacent traffic
being maintained
16 Have safety barriers been
installed correctly
17 Has containment fence been
installed where required
DOCUMENTATION
18 Is the traffic control plan
available for inspection
19 Are any required approvals
for speed limits in order
20 Are documented changes (if
any) to the control plan
available for inspection

23052_HB81.8_Cov 28/2/01 2:11 PM Page 2
Handbooks published in this series of Field Guides for traffic control at works on roads are as follows:
HB 81.1 Short-term urban works, daytime only

HB 81.2 Short-term rural works, daytime only
HB 81.3 Mobile works
HB 81.4 Short-term night works
HB 81.5 Works on unsealed roads
HB 81.6 Bituminous surfacing works
HB 81.7 Short-term works on freeways
HB 81.8 Long-term partial closures and detours on urban roads
HB 81.9 Long-term partial closures and detours on rural roads
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23052_HB81.8_Cov 28/2/01 2:11 PM Page 1

and detours on urban roads

Handbook No. 81.8—2000

Part 8: Long-term partial closures and detours on urban roads

1 WHERE TO USE THIS HANDBOOK

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

(ii) All other cases in urban areas (not freeways or expressways)

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

* You may need special formal approval to use traffic signals.

Portable or temporary traffic signals can generally handle up to about 700

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

4 MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKPLACE

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

5 CHANGING BETWEEN A WORKING SITE AND AN UNATTENDED SITE

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

10 WORKS SITE RECORDS

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

FIGURE 1 CLOSING A FOOTPATH

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 2 PART CLOSURE ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 3 LEFT OR PARKING LANE CLOSED—

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 4 CLOSING LEFT OR PARKING LANE ON BUSY

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 5 LOW-SPEED BUSY ROAD—CLOSING ONE SIDE

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 6 HIGH SPEED BUSY ROAD—CLOSING ONE SIDE

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 7 SINGLE LANE OPERATION WITH PORTABLE

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 8 CLOSING TWO LANES OF A MULTI-LANE ROAD—

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 9 EXAMPLE OF WORKS AROUND A BEND OR

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 10(a) TRAFFIC IS DETOURED USING SIDE

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 10(b) TRAFFIC IS DETOURED USING SIDE

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 11 INTERSECTION OF A MINOR ROAD

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

FIGURE 12 INTERSECTION OF A MINOR ROAD

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

SIGNS AND DEVICES USED IN THIS HANDBOOK

Needed in advance of all works left overnight.

Used in addition to T1-1 in advance of a detour.

T1-5 Needed when workers are on site.

Used with the Traffic Signals advance sign. See

T1-30 Traffic signals advance sign. See Figure 7.

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

Used in conjunction with detour signs as shown in

Required at the end of all work sites where the

Used to show where a detour has ended and

T5-1 Used at the point where a detour begins and at

Large temporary hazard marker. Used to form the

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

Small temporary hazard marker. Used in locations