HWY/Specialist/TBT-HWY-005

Lane Closures and Contraflows

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Lane Closures and Contraflows

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-HWY-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Lane closures and contraflows create safe working space on dual carriageways and motorways.
  • Traffic management must comply with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.
  • The safety zone between work and live traffic is the most critical element.
  • Impact protection vehicles (IPVs) are required on high-speed roads.
  • Contraflow systems redirect traffic to the opposite carriageway for two-way flow.
  • Cone taper lengths and sign positions are calculated based on the speed limit.
  • The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 requires permits for works on highways.
  • All operatives in lane closures must hold appropriate NRSWA competence cards.
  • Entering and exiting must only be through designated access points, never across live lanes.
  • Temporary speed reductions must be legally authorised with advance warning signs.

Why?

Protect workersWorkers in lane closures are separated from high-speed traffic by only cones.
Public safetyPoorly set up closures confuse drivers and cause collisions.
Legal complianceChapter 8 and NRSWA impose strict requirements for highway closures.
Incident preventionIPVs and buffer zones absorb the impact of errant vehicles.
Do Don't
  • Follow the approved traffic management plan for every lane closure.
  • Install signs, cones, and barriers in the correct sequence and spacing.
  • Position the IPV at the required distance behind the work area.
  • Wear hi-vis PPE compliant with Chapter 8 requirements at all times.
  • Enter and exit the work area only through designated safe access points.
  • Check the traffic management layout is correct before starting work.
  • Hold a valid NRSWA or sector scheme competence card for the work.
  • Monitor traffic flow and report signs of confusion or near misses.
  • Maintain communication between the traffic management team and work gang.
  • Remove temporary traffic management in the correct reverse sequence.
  • DON'T cross live traffic lanes to enter or leave the work area.
  • DON'T start work before the traffic management layout is fully installed.
  • DON'T move or remove cones, signs, or barriers without authorisation.
  • DON'T work outside the protected safety zone at any time.
  • DON'T set up lane closures without an approved traffic management plan.
  • DON'T allow the IPV to be moved without authorisation.
  • DON'T turn your back on approaching traffic while near the live lane.
  • DON'T reduce sign spacing or taper lengths to save time.
  • DON'T assume drivers will obey the temporary speed limit.
  • DON'T work in a lane closure without the required competency cards.

See also: Chapter 8 Signing and Guarding | Working in Live Carriageways
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