Council budgets are under pressure. Roadwork demands are increasing. Labour costs are rising. And communities expect roads to stay open and safe. Traditional traffic control setups require large crews, heavy equipment, and hours of setup time. Portable road safety equipment, on the other hand, offers a practical alternative: faster deployment, smaller crews, and measurable cost savings without compromising compliance.

Here’s how portable traffic control devices are helping councils across Australia reduce downtime, stretch budgets further, and keep roads safe and seen.

What is portable road safety equipment?

Portable traffic control devices are lightweight, self-contained safety systems designed for rapid deployment on Australian roads. Unlike traditional fixed installations that require multiple vehicles, heavy equipment, and extended setup times, portable devices can be transported in standard council vehicles and deployed by smaller teams.

These systems include portable traffic lights, stand-alone markers, and flexible signage that meet Australian Standards for traffic management. They’re built for quick setup, easy relocation, and reliable performance across varying road conditions.

Portable doesn’t mean temporary quality. Modern portable traffic control equipment is designed for Australian conditions with durable construction, long battery life, and compliance built in. Each device is audit-ready and meets State and National standards through formal assessment.

Types of portable traffic control devices

From quick-deploy lights to high-visibility markers and flexible signage, these portable systems give councils a smarter way to control traffic on any project.

Portable traffic lights (BarrowLIGHT)

BarrowLIGHT is a self-contained traffic light system that one worker can deploy in minutes. Traditional setups can require four to six workers and can take hours, which therefore drums up costs.

Common applications of portable traffic lights:

• Lane closures for resurfacing and maintenance
• Intersection work and utility upgrades
• Emergency road repairs
• Temporary traffic management during construction

Extended battery life often eliminates the need for generators and fuel transport. Each unit is compliant with Australian Standards and delivered audit-ready.

Stand-alone markers (Safety S.A.M.)

Safety S.A.M. products manage road safety and worksite visibility on short-duration jobs. Made from a lightweight, virtually indestructible substrate, the signs fold back on themselves for instant deployment without the need for steel stands or posts.

Common applications of stand-alone markers:

• Roadworks and detours
• Lane closures and lateral shifts
• Footpath closures and pedestrian direction
• Local traffic management and speed limits
• Hazard warnings such as loose gravel, water over road, rough surfaces, and cattle ahead

Reusable, easy to transport, and cost effective, Safety S.A.M. signage products help reduce compliance costs while improving on-site safety and consistency.

Guide signage systems

Guide signage provides reliable direction on roads and worksites, keeping traffic flowing smoothly and safely. Designed for compliance and visibility, these signs are built to inform motorists and pedestrians in every condition.

Common applications of guide signage:

• Roadworks direction and detours
• Event traffic management
• Temporary road closures
• Construction site navigation

Available in various sizes and formats, guide signage is built for visibility and durability. From bicycle warnings to lane closures, councils have access to compliant signage for every traffic management scenario.

Benefits of portable traffic devices

From slashing setup times to boosting safety and stretching budgets further, portable traffic devices unlock advantages that go well beyond convenience.

Time savings

Portable traffic control devices significantly reduce setup time compared to traditional setups. What once took hours now takes minutes. For councils managing multiple work sites, this time saving multiplies across every project.

Faster deployment means:

• Crews arrive, set up, and start work sooner
• Road closures are shorter
• Projects can be scheduled more efficiently
• Emergency response is faster

Reduced pack-down time is equally important. At the end of a shift or project, crews can clear sites quickly, reopening roads to traffic with minimal delay. This efficiency improves project timelines and reduces community disruption.

Cost reductions

The cost advantages of portable traffic control extend across multiple areas:

• Lower labour costs per project: When a one or two-person crew replaces a six-person crew, the labour saving is immediate. Multiply this across all projects annually, and councils see substantial budget relief.
• Reduced vehicle and fuel requirements: Portable equipment fits in standard council vehicles. No need for dedicated heavy equipment transport. Fewer vehicles mean lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs, and smaller fleet requirements overall.
• Decreased storage needs: Compact portable systems require less warehouse space than traditional equipment. Councils report storage cost reductions and better space utilisation at depot facilities.
• Lower maintenance costs: Modern portable systems are designed for durability with minimal maintenance requirements. Fewer moving parts, robust construction, and self-contained power systems reduce ongoing service costs.
   

Example calculation of cost savings:

If a council runs 150 deployments per year and saves about $2,500 per deployment using portable solutions versus traditional methods, that’s $375,000 saved on labour alone. Add transport, storage, and maintenance savings and the total annual reduction could reach $500,000+.

Saving lives and preventing crashes

Every year, Australia records around 18 fatal, 245 serious injury and 530 minor injury crashes at temporary traffic management sites, costing $3.2 billion over 10 years, according to Austroads.

According to Austroads modelling, even modest reductions in these crashes can make significant impacts. 

By shortening setup time (thus reducing crew exposure to traffic) and pairing with compliant, high-visibility signage, councils can strengthen driver awareness and reduce crash risk in and around worksites.

Operational flexibility

Portable road safety equipment gives councils the flexibility to respond to changing demands. Equipment moves easily between sites, allowing better resource allocation across council areas. A single set of portable traffic lights can serve multiple projects in a week rather than being locked to one location.

This flexibility suits various project types:

• Planned roadworks that require predictable scheduling
• Emergency repairs that demand immediate response
• Short-duration maintenance that needs quick setup and removal
• Seasonal projects that benefit from mobile equipment

Councils report improved utilisation rates for portable equipment. Rather than purchasing multiple fixed systems for different locations, one portable system serves multiple sites throughout the year.

The ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions is valuable. If weather delays a project, portable equipment moves to another site without logistical complexity. If traffic patterns change, crews can reconfigure layouts rapidly.

Community benefits

Shorter road closure times reduce community disruption. Motorists face fewer delays, businesses maintain better access, and residents experience less inconvenience from council works.

Reduced emissions result from smaller teams and fewer vehicles on-site. This aligns with council environmental goals and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable operations.

Improved public perception follows efficient roadworks. When councils complete projects quickly with minimal disruption, community feedback improves. This matters for council reputation and ongoing community relations.

Installation and setup considerations

Installing and setting up portable traffic devices isn’t just about putting equipment on the road. It’s about following an approved plan, using the right stabilisation methods, and ensuring crews are trained to deploy equipment safely and efficiently.

Follow an approved traffic guidance scheme

Every installation should begin with a traffic guidance scheme produced by a qualified traffic management designer. That scheme specifies device locations, signage spacing and distances in accordance with AS 1742.3, AGTTM and local authority requirements, helping ensure compliant and effective installation.

Site assessment and equipment selection

Selecting appropriate portable devices starts with a thorough site assessment. Consider traffic volume, road classification, work duration and environmental conditions.

• High-volume roads may require full portable traffic light systems for safety and traffic flow.
• Lower-volume roads might suit stand-alone markers for short-duration works.
• Multi-day projects benefit from robust portable systems with extended battery life; quick repairs may only need rapid-deploy markers.
• Coastal or remote locations may call for corrosion-resistant equipment or extended battery operation.

Stabilisation and mounting

All portable systems must be properly stabilised to prevent movement from wind or passing vehicles. TranEx units are supplied with secure bases, but councils can add sandbags or anchoring plates to ensure maximum stability on site.

Power source and connectivity

Before deployment, confirm the power source is fully charged or solar panels are positioned for optimal charging. Check control connectivity between devices to ensure they’re properly linked and functioning. TranEx equipment is designed for plug-and-play set-up so workers can verify status quickly.

Team training and safe deployment

Initial training for portable systems is straightforward, with most crews becoming competent in half a day. Training covers deployment, operation, pack-down, and compliance with Australian Standards and traffic management plan procedures. Even with simpler systems, crews still need to understand core traffic control principles.

Maintenance and monitoring

Regularly inspect and maintain portable traffic devices to ensure they remain in proper working condition. This includes cleaning lenses for optimal visibility, checking for damaged components and verifying control systems or timers. TranEx products are built for durability but councils should still establish a monitoring routine to address issues promptly.

Compliance and documentation

Meeting Australian Standards is non-negotiable. When portable equipment arrives certified and tested, councils can document compliance efficiently, reducing administrative burden and providing confidence during audits. TranEx supplies ISO 9001-certified products to support this process.

Logistics and planning

Efficient scheduling across multiple sites allows councils to do more with fewer units. Portable systems are light enough to be moved in standard council vehicles, eliminating the need for specialised transport. Extended battery life means equipment operates for days or weeks between charges. Inventory tracking ensures availability and improves utilisation compared to traditional gear.

Transforming roadworks with portable safety solutions

Faster deployment, smaller crews and lower costs, all with full compliance and improved safety, make portable devices the clear choice for councils.

They deliver reduced labour costs, shorter road closures, better resource allocation and stronger community relations. From portable traffic lights to stand-alone markers and flexible signage, TranEx offers practical solutions for councils across metropolitan and regional Australia.

For more than 40 years, we have supported councils nationwide with audit-ready traffic control equipment that meets State and National standards. Based in Tasmania, we deliver directly to site across the country.

Whether you’re managing planned roadworks, emergency response or short-duration maintenance, our portable road safety equipment helps you cut downtime without compromising safety or compliance.

Contact us to arrange a demonstration or discuss your council’s traffic control requirements.

 

Mandatory Project Signing for Federally Funded Projects

The Federal Government has recently announced the 2020-2021 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program worth $7.5Billion.

This is great news for the Civil Construction industry and all the related suppliers such as dedicated Road Signage manufactures.

Fine Print: Signs are a MUST!

Buried in the fine print, astute engineers would be aware that ALL projects with Federally contributed money MUST have the proscribed “Building Our Future” Project Sign at least at either end of the works down to a project value of $10,000. Projects are subject to audit by the federal government inspectors with correct Project Sign being a critical compliance component.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure Guidelines specify various Project Sign designs, sizes and requirements for different projects which can be quite confusing if you are not across all the aspects of signage and graphics given that the $7.5Billion of infrastructure funding is being rolled out through a large number of stimulus initiatives including, ROADS TO RECOVERY, BLACK SPOT FUNDING, BUILDING OUR FUTURE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS, NATIONAL STRONGER REGIONS FUND, HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY PROGRAM BRIDGES RENEWAL PROGRAM, NATIONAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, BUILDING BETTER REGIONS, SMART CITIES PLAN, DROUGHT COMMUNITIES PROGRAM and more.

Tranex Roads have taken a deep dive into the requirements and have a thorough understanding of the process so are able to manage all your proofing and display obligations with the Department.

Tranex Roads & Traffic manufactures road signage right here in your state and we are in close contact with the Department of Infrastructure. We are well organised to manufacture and supply (at short notice) the correct Project Sign as mandated at all Federally and jointly funded projects over $10,000.

Tranex undertake to liaise with the Department of Infrastructure graphics team to ensure your signage (including additional managing Authority branding) complies with the Departments Guidelines at all times). This can often include long-life or engraved Stainless-steel Commemorative Plaques for finished projects as required in some instances.

We can ensure your signage requirements are fully quoted and you have completed artwork and pricing already on file for to assist with federal Audit requirements as they arise.

Please call us on 1300 13 77 54 to take advantage of your FREE PROJECT Sign preview artwork and be surprised by how simple we make the process and how great these signs look (especially with your logo)!

HP Cold Patch

We are now stocking Crafco High Performance Cold Patch, Whether it is repairing utility cuts or patching that reoccurring pothole, HP Asphalt Cold Patch is rapidly becoming the material of choice. HP Asphalt is specifically formulated for the wide-ranging temperature and climate of your area. HP Asphalt Cold Patch comes premixed and ready to use. 23kg per Bag, 60 Bags per Pallet.

Benefits of HP Asphalt Cold Patch:

• Works in all weather conditions; wet or dry, cold or hot
• No mixing, mechanical compaction or tacking
• Adheres to asphalt, concrete or steel
• Perfect for bridge, drain, utility cuts and cutter work
• Patch will not release, eliminates milling before re-paving
• Open to traffic immediately – no raveling or rutting
• No heating, mixing or tacking required
• Remains pliable from below-freezing temperatures

Available through TranEx Roads & Traffic – Crafco is the world’s leading manufacturer in quantity and diversity of packaged pavement preservation products for asphalt and concrete such as hot-applied crack sealants, silicone joint sealants, hot-applied mastics, and cold-mix for pavement surface patching and repair. Crafco is the only company to manufacture these types of products and the equipment to apply them.

We have just completed our brand-new hard copy 84-page product catalogue with a new crisp clear style and enlarged product code text for ease of viewing.

The 14^th Edition of our Product Catalogue includes the customary table of contents page to assist in locating the products as listed in each of the product categories such as; Traffic Control Signage, Sign Frames & Supports, Temporary Barriers & Cones, Road Markers & Asphalting Supplies, Street & Directional Signage, Posts & Brackets and Carpark & Warehouse Safety.

On Page 4 and 5 you’ll find out a bit about us and some good reasons why to choose Tranex Roads and Traffic for your Traffic Products along with our Core Values.

Throughout the new Product Catalogue, you’ll find some new products such as the new revolutionary temporary signage system, Safety Sam from page 20, SafetySAM (Stand Alone Marker) signage system is an integral, all-in-one concept that is made entirely of a new generation, high tech substrate which is practically indestructible and extremely strong. And on page 37 we are now stocking HP High Performance Asphalt Cold Patch, The Year Round, All Season, High Performance Cold Patch.

To receive your own copy of the New Tranex Roads & Traffic Product Catalogue Contact Us or Call 1300 137 754

Road safety is a top priority when construction is being carried out along streets and highways. Rules and regulations have been put in place to prevent accidents on and off the construction sites. However, there are little slip-ups that can lead to bigger problems when left unchecked.

Ensuring People’s Safety during Roadworks

When a street or a portion of the highway is being repaired, it will seldom be closed down. This is because to do so would cause disruptions to daily life which can, in turn, affect business operations. In order to avoid this problem, construction workers place temporary barriers around the roadwork area and set up a portable traffic light or multiple message signage to warn motorists and pedestrians of the proper safety precautions to be observed.

These signs preceding the construction site are able to communicate road conditions to not only protect motorists and pedestrians but construction workers as well. Having said that, there are some roadwork signs that have deteriorated in quality over time. It could be that they have become too dirty or the words have faded to the point of being incomprehensible, or even, it could be they have not been placed well. Any of these situations compromise the efficacy of safety signs.

This is because minor damage to these signs can lead to accidents that range from over speeding in a high-risk zone to vehicle collisions between a motorist and the site. While the overall number of road-related deaths in 2018 fell by 4 per cent, the number of driver and pedestrian deaths is still higher than that of the previous year. Although the number has significantly lowered for work-related fatalities in construction, these numbers can still be lowered with the right equipment.

As a trusted name in traffic management solutions, TranEx Group has a variety of road construction signs for sale so that you can warn motorists and pedestrians of your roadwork and ensure the safety of your construction crew.

Using the Rights Signs for Safety

We make sure that all necessary safety equipment is available so that projects can be completed as planned with little to no unnecessary downtime. This means we stock a full range of standard corflute signage, we can always offer fast turnaround times. However we also provide for more specialised requirements.

Our TRAFFICOP provides extra delineation but is incredibly quick to set up. It is designed to to fit over a T-Top Bollard and is excellent for when you need lane closures over a short period of time.

If projects require specific requirement, our inhouse manufacturing can take care of it. We can provide custom corflute signage designed to your specifications.

For over 35 years, we have been working closely with the road and civil industry in order to provide them with the equipment that helps them successfully complete their projects while maintaining optimal safety in the workplace. We will work closely with you to ensure that you receive the best solutions for your requirements.

To learn more about our traffic management solutions, call us on 1300 137 754 to book an appointment. For any inquiries, you can fill up this form: https://tranexgroup.com.au//contact/.

When it comes to efficient roadwork solutions, TranEx Group is a name you can trust. For more than 35 years, our company has provided industry-leading products and services for the roadwork and civil construction industries. We have developed an excellent reputation with our clients, offering them specialised services.

We provide robust and efficient solutions for your road safety requirements

Installing a speed radar improves safety and speed compliance around school zones and areas with high foot traffic. A speed radar also ensures safety in venues with lower or changing speed limits, such as roadwork and road maintenance sites. Our company supplies advanced speed warning signage to help educate motorists and measure and analyse their driving behaviour.

Our Metis 3002 is an effective solution for minimising vehicle speed. Its integrated City Connect platform allows you to create and test speed configurations and analyse collected data at a glance. The screen displays the maximum recorded speed and traffic volume in both directions, as well as the number of light and heavy vehicles on the road.

The unit is robust and reliable, with a crimped aluminium-zinc sheet and triple-edge aluminium frame. The display is protected by a 3mm transparent, heat-formed polycarbonate sheet. The Metis 3002 may be mounted on a standard signpost for permanent installations, or a wheelbarrow trolley for roadwork applications.

The Metis 500, on the other hand, is a cost-effective alternative to the Metis 3002. Despite its small size, it can record traffic data of up to 400,000 vehicles in both directions and display vehicle speed in real time. Customised mounting options are available for the Metis 500.

We also supply Barrow lights that are portable and easy to use for traffic needs. The traffic lights work on synchronisation, eliminating dropouts and distance constraints. Our Barrow lights can be adapted to every site configuration. Its mast is completely retractable inside the light head, saving storage space. Barrow lights can be loaded easily onto a ute or trailer, and programmed and wheeled into position according to your traffic management plan.

Our proven track record makes us a reliable partner for success

Eastern Tree Services, one of Australia’s largest vegetation management companies, has utilised our Barrow lights to simplify their operations and minimise traffic control risk. Since implementing Barrow lights on their sites, traffic control costs have gone down, and their efficiency has doubled.

The George Town Council has also invested in our Barrow lights. The equipment has helped them save a significant amount of operational costs and free up staff members for other work. Despite using the lights in a windy place, the George Town Council has had no issue with these items blowing over.

Partner with TranEx Group for your road safety needs

TranEx Group is a trusted provider of innovative solutions for traffic control management.  We manufacturer road signage and supplies designed to manage complex roadwork projects. We are committed to delivering quality products and services that exceed the standards of the industry and our competitors. Our drive for excellence has made us a reliable partner to government departments and civil construction firms across Australia.

Let us help you with your roadwork and civil construction needs. Contact us on 1300 137 754 today for enquiries.