TWK/Specific/TBT-TWK-008

Temporary Access Roads

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Temporary Access Roads

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TWK-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Temporary access roads provide safe routes for vehicles and plant across the construction site.
  • Poorly constructed or maintained haul roads are a major cause of vehicle overturn and pedestrian strikes.
  • The road design must account for the heaviest vehicle expected, including loaded tipper trucks and cranes.
  • Road width must allow safe passing of vehicles; single-track roads need passing places at intervals.
  • Gradients steeper than 1 in 10 create risks for loaded vehicles, especially in wet conditions.
  • Drainage must be installed to prevent water pooling, erosion, and softening of the road formation.
  • Segregation between vehicles and pedestrians must be maintained on all temporary access routes.
  • Speed limits, signage, and traffic management measures apply to temporary roads just as on highways.
  • Temporary roads crossing buried services need protective measures to prevent damage from vehicle loads.
  • Maintenance including grading, pothole repair, and dust suppression is essential throughout the project.

Why?

Prevent overturnsVehicles overturning on poorly maintained haul roads cause fatal crush injuries. Proper design and maintenance prevent this.
Pedestrian safetyPedestrians sharing routes with heavy plant are struck and killed when segregation is absent or inadequate.
Site efficiencyWell-maintained temporary roads reduce vehicle damage, prevent delays, and keep the site operational in all weather.
Do Don't
  • Design temporary roads for the heaviest vehicle and load expected on site.
  • Provide adequate width for safe passing or install passing places at intervals.
  • Install drainage to prevent water pooling and softening of the road surface.
  • Maintain segregation between vehicles and pedestrians on all access routes.
  • Set and enforce speed limits with appropriate signage on all temporary roads.
  • Grade and repair road surfaces regularly to remove potholes and rutting.
  • Apply dust suppression in dry conditions to maintain visibility on haul routes.
  • Protect buried services where temporary roads cross over their alignment.
  • Limit gradients to no steeper than 1 in 10 for loaded vehicle safety.
  • Inspect temporary roads daily and after heavy rain for damage and defects.
  • DON'T allow vehicles to use temporary roads not designed for their weight.
  • DON'T let pedestrians share the same route as vehicles without segregation.
  • DON'T ignore potholes, rutting, or standing water on temporary access roads.
  • DON'T exceed the site speed limit, especially on unsurfaced haul roads.
  • DON'T build temporary roads over buried services without protective measures.
  • DON'T allow gradients steeper than 1 in 10 without engineering assessment.
  • DON'T neglect dust suppression in dry weather; reduced visibility causes collisions.
  • DON'T use temporary roads at night without adequate lighting in place.
  • DON'T abandon maintenance as the project progresses; roads deteriorate quickly.
  • DON'T reverse vehicles on temporary roads without a banksman guiding you.

See also: Haul Road Construction and Maintenance | Plant and Pedestrian Segregation
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