1. The Statutory Framework: SARTSM Volume 2 & OHS Act Section 9
Construction activities that interface with public spaces - whether widening a busy urban dual-carriageway, trenching across a pedestrian sidewalk, or craning structural steel over a high-density downtown street - present extreme public liability risks. Errant high-speed vehicles crashing into construction work zones and pedestrians tripping into open foundation trenches are catastrophic events that lead to massive multi-million Rand civil claims and criminal prosecution.
Under Section 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), every employer has an absolute duty to ensure that persons other than their employees (the general public) are not exposed to hazards to their health or safety.
Furthermore, all road construction and sidewalk interfacing work is legally governed by the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM Volume 2: Chapter 13 - Roadwork Signing). Establishing road closures or lane diversions without an approved Traffic Accommodation Plan is a direct violation of the National Road Traffic Act.
Traffic Management & Public Safety Benchmarks
2. SARTSM Roadwork Signing Principles: Advance Warning, Tapers & Delineators
Under SARTSM Chapter 13, temporary traffic accommodation is structured into three continuous engineering zones:
1. Advance Warning Zone: High-visibility temporary roadwork signs (TW series: Roadworks Ahead TW301, Lane Closure TW302, Speed Reduction TR201 to 60 km/h or 40 km/h) placed at sequential intervals (e.g. 500m, 300m, 100m in advance).
2. Transition / Taper Zone: Channelizing oncoming traffic away from the closed lane using certified yellow-and-black retroreflective Delineator Blades (TW401) or reflective 750mm traffic cones arranged at an engineered taper ratio (typically 1:20 for urban streets, 1:50 for 120 km/h freeways).
3. Work & Buffer Zone: The physical construction zone protected by a 30-metre clear buffer zone and solid concrete crash barriers (New Jersey barriers).
Temporary Traffic Control Devices & SARTSM Specifications
| Traffic Control Device | SARTSM Code & Dimension | Retroreflective Class | Mandatory Site Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Warning Signs | TW301 (Roadworks), TW302 (Lane drop) (1200mm triangle) | Class 3 (High-Intensity Retroreflective Yellow) | Placed 500m, 300m, and 100m upstream of lane closures. |
| Delineator Blades / Posts | TW401 (800mm x 200mm yellow/black chevrons) | Class 3 Retroreflective Surface | Spaced every 10m to 20m along lane taper transition lines. |
| Concrete Crash Barriers | New Jersey / F-Shape Concrete Barriers (1.0m high) | Fitted with red/white reflective hazard strips | Continuous physical separation between live traffic lanes and deep road excavations. |
| Stop / Go Control Paddles | R1 / R2 Retroreflective Handheld Paddles (450mm diameter) | Class 3 High-Intensity Red / Green | Manual single-lane alternating traffic control by certified flagmen. |
3. Pedestrian Protection: Solid 2.0m Hoardings, Catch Fans & Covered Gantries
In dense urban environments (such as central Johannesburg, Sandton, Cape Town CBD, or Durban beachfront), public pedestrian safety is a primary legal priority.
Under local municipal building bylaws and CR 5, contractors must erect continuous, solid 2.0-metre-high Timber or Steel Hoardings around the entire perimeter. Flimsy orange plastic hazard netting is strictly prohibited as a public boundary because it fails to stop falling bricks, dust, or intruders.
Where high-rise construction occurs adjacent to public sidewalks, contractors must erect heavy-duty Covered Pedestrian Gantries (Crash Decks) designed to withstand a 5 kN/m2 impact load, fitted with overhead catch netting and continuous 24/7 internal LED lighting.
4. Professional Flagman Deployment & Stop/Go Single-Lane Control Protocols
Flagmen are the living traffic controllers standing between high-speed public vehicles and construction workers. Placing an untrained general labourer in a faded dirty vest on a busy road is an extreme liability.
Professional flagmen must undergo accredited Traffic Flagman Training; wear Class 3 High-Visibility Orange/Lime Reflective Vests; hold certified double-sided Stop/Go Paddles (never waving hands or rags); and operate in coordinated pairs using Two-Way Radios on single-lane alternating road sections.
Flagmen must stand safely on the road shoulder facing oncoming traffic at least 50 metres upstream of the work taper, with a clear emergency escape route if an errant vehicle fails to stop.
5. 5-Stage Traffic Management & Municipal Approval Roadmap
Civil engineer designs traffic accommodation drawings detailing advance signage, taper distances, and detour routes.
Submit traffic plans to SANRAL, Provincial Roads, or Metro Traffic Authorities for formal written approval.
Install sturdy timber/steel perimeter hoardings and illuminated covered walkways along public sidewalks.
Set out Class 3 retroreflective signs, align delineator blades at 1:20 taper ratios, and position New Jersey crash barriers.
Station certified flagmen with two-way radios and Stop/Go paddles, and conduct daily documented traffic signage audits.
6. Site Traffic Management & Public Safety Audit Checklist
- Traffic Accommodation Plan is designed per SARTSM Chapter 13 and approved by municipal authorities.
- Municipal Wayleave and Road Closure permits are active and displayed on site.
- Solid 2.0m high timber/steel hoardings enclose the entire site perimeter with zero gaps.
- Covered pedestrian gantries with impact decking and 24/7 lighting are installed along public sidewalks.
- Temporary roadwork signs (TW series) and delineator tapers comply with SARTSM distance rules.
- Traffic flagmen hold valid accredited certificates, Stop/Go paddles, and Class 3 reflective vests.
- Daily Traffic Accommodation Inspection Register is completed morning and night.