Traffic signalisation

The Department of State Growth is responsible for the safety and efficiency of traffic signals throughout Tasmania.

The department commissions, operates and maintains all traffic signals and Intelligent Transport Systems in Tasmania.

Before construction of new or modified traffic signals, we:

• analyse the impact the new or changed signals will have on the existing network
• check the traffic signal layout to make sure it is safe and efficient
• review design how the new signals will operate
• procure traffic signal controllers
• create the computer program (personality) to control them.

After traffic signals are turned on, we continue to monitor the signals on the network and regularly:

• investigate and respond to queries and faults from the community and other stakeholders
• review routes and areas to ensure they are operating in line with Network Operation plans
• modify the timing of traffic signals in real-time due to unplanned disruptions (e.g. car crashes; emergencies, etc.)
• undertake minor modification works to existing traffic signal assets where agreed.

From traffic signal planning, design and operation, the department works with our stakeholders to ensure a safe and reliable journey for everyone on the road network.

The proponent must fully fund the cost of new traffic signal installations. Funding may include contributions under the Black Spot Program or other government programs.

We will monitor traffic signal installations though a series of quality assurance procedures and hold points outlined in the checklist and flow chart outlined in the process.

• design acceptance
• Commissioner for Transport approval
• works permits (if works impact a State road)
• pre-purchase of signal hardware
• inspection of signal hardware installation via a site acceptance process
• receipt of required documentation prior to commissioning
• commissioning and handover of signals.

Hold Points must be formally signed off by the Department before proceeding to the next step in the traffic signalisation process. The process outlines which steps are to be undertaken by proponents and the Department, including the hold points.

Proponents must make formal application to the Department regarding each proposed scheme. We will ensure all documentation addresses relevant standards and guidelines referred to below and make a recommendation to the Commissioner for Transport on the proposal.

Proponents are responsible for ensuring they refer to the latest version of all documentation published by the Department. Traffic signal related documents are published below.

All designs must be based on an engineering survey.

All designs and works must comply with the relevant Departmental specifications and applicable standard drawings.

All plans and phasing calculations must be submitted for review using the Department’s templates. Plans must include:

• signal plan, including:
  • all signal hardware including Intelligent Transport Systems
  • all underground infrastructure (electrical and communications conduits, pits, poles, signal controller location, etc.)
  • point(s) of connection to the TasNetworks supply.
• operational plan, including:
  • phasing diagrams
  • signal group arrangement
  • vehicle detection systems
  • any site specific operation notes.
• civil works and traffic facilities plan, including:
  • kerb alignments, access ramp locations, traffic islands, pedestrian footpaths
  • design vehicle turn paths
  • pavement markings
  • traffic signs.

The following documentation is required in order for us to consider a design for a new traffic signal installation:

• Evidence that Austroads warrants have been met
• Detailed design/site plans
• Phasing Calculations (Phase and Pedestrian time settings)
• Communications strategy
• Landowner consent (if proponent is not landowner), and
• Traffic modelling (SIDRA analysis), at the discretion of the Department’s Traffic Systems Team.

To make sure that the process can be adequately supported, the first point of contact for proposed works and estimated timeframes shall be via the Traffic Systems Team by email to traffic.systems@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.

Upon receipt of relevant documentation to the email above, we will provide comment on proponent proposals for new traffic signal installations within 20 business days.

Following acceptance of the final design by the Traffic Systems Team, we will make a recommendation to the Commissioner for Transport on the proposal.

Personality development and testing will be completed within the proponent’s contract period in time for agreed commissioning date.

We require seven calendar days to test a built site while signals remain non-operational.

Traffic signal detector works require two weeks' notice. Please email traffic.systems@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

This guide will assist road workers reinstall traffic signal detectors under the road surface. It is specific to road reseals and civil works (e.g. patching, kerbing and trenching) within a 100-metre radius of traffic signalised intersections

• The proponent must follow and adhere to all document requirements outlined above.
• The proponent must follow and adhere to all Hold Points in Standard Section 1733.
• The proponent will be required to negotiate a suitable point of power supply with TasNetworks at the agreed traffic control position. Any new electrical connections must be in the Department’s name to enable handover to occur.
• The proponent is responsible for conducting all due diligence, for example Dial Before You Dig Australia, existing site assessment, underground service location, organising all related permits, and lodging Electrical Works Request (EWR) with TasNetworks and all commerical infrastructure.
• The proponent must develop and deliver an appropriate communications strategy to notify impacted stakeholders of the new signals. Depending on the situation, this may include – but not be limited to – print or other advertising, direct mail, social media, or on-site signage. The strategy should include communication around the commencement of works and commissioning.
• Any construction contracts entered into must link practical completion to commissioning and include a defects liability/maintenance period with a minimum term of twelve months. Any costs associated with defects during the warranty period are the responsibility of the proponent.

Materials

All installations must use type approved traffic signal equipment and hardware and be approved by the Department’s Traffic Systems Team prior to purchase. Refer to the published Traffic Signals Inventory List for material and supplier details.

The proponent’s contractor must provide access to its worksite for the Department to conduct site acceptance activities.

We will not commission signals until all appropriate documentation is received from the proponent and testing has been completed.

Upon commissioning, ownership of all traffic signal infrastructure will transfer to the Department. Infrastructure includes traffic signals, electrical components, wiring and any associated Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), unless otherwise stated in the contract e.g. defect liabilities and warranties.

The Department accepts responsibility of daily operation of all traffic signals and any associated systems as guided by the Traffic Signals Operational Strategy.

Response to any feedback arising from the new installation or modifications will be the responsibility of the road owner.

1. Traffic Signal Intelligent Transport Systems Project Checklist
2. Traffic Signals Inventory List
3. Traffic Signals Operational Strategy
4. Department’s Drawing Template and Symbology (Zip file for download)
5. Standard Section 730 – Traffic Signal Installation
6. Standard Section 733 - Conduits and Pits for Underground Wiring and Cabling
7. Traffic Signals – Standard Drawings

For enquiries, assistance, or to initiate the process, please email: traffic.systems@stategrowth.tas.gov.au