Do works near schools always need extra approvals?

Often yes — works that affect school zones during drop-off / pick-up hours typically need school notification and additional controller staffing. Plan around school terms where possible.

What if the existing footpath is too narrow for the temporary one?

Options include offsetting onto an adjacent street (with detour signage), narrowing the carriageway to widen the temporary footpath, or staging the works to minimise pedestrian disruption.

Roadworks & Civil · Pedestrian· School Zones· Safety

Pedestrian & School Zone Traffic Safety

Pedestrian safety in Melbourne worksites is the most under-planned element of most TGS — and the highest-risk failure mode. School zone works need additional controls during drop-off and pick-up; high-foot-traffic precincts need temporary footpaths and posted controllers to prevent jaywalking through works.

Damian Reale · Operations Manager 18 April 2025 Updated 25 May 2026 2 min read

Pedestrian management signage at a Melbourne worksite

Key takeaways

Pedestrian management is the most under-planned element of most TGS — and the highest-risk failure mode.
School zone works need extra controls during drop-off and pick-up windows, with separate plans for those hours.
Temporary footpaths, raised crossings, and visible signage protect pedestrians more than barriers alone.

Why is pedestrian management often neglected?

Most TGS planning starts with vehicle movement, and pedestrians get bolted on at the end. The result: temporary footpath dead-ends, unclear detour routing, and controllers focused on vehicles while pedestrians weave through cones.

What good pedestrian management actually involves

A continuous accessible route from the start of works to the end (no dead-ends)
Reflective signage at every decision point
Temporary footpaths where the existing one is blocked
Posted controllers at high-traffic crossing points
Disability access maintained (DDA compliance)

What's different about school zone works?

Reduced speed zones in force during drop-off (typically 8:00–9:30) and pick-up (2:30–4:00)
Higher pedestrian volumes at predictable times
Children's reduced situational awareness
School communications and parent notifications often required

When are temporary crossings warranted?

When works close a normally-used pedestrian crossing or footpath, a temporary crossing — with signage, lighting, and where warranted a posted controller — is required to maintain safe pedestrian movement.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

Do works near schools always need extra approvals?: Often yes — works that affect school zones during drop-off / pick-up hours typically need school notification and additional controller staffing. Plan around school terms where possible.
What if the existing footpath is too narrow for the temporary one?: Options include offsetting onto an adjacent street (with detour signage), narrowing the carriageway to widen the temporary footpath, or staging the works to minimise pedestrian disruption.

Related services

Traffic Control Traffic Management Plans

Written by

Damian Reale

Operations Manager, MLA Traffic

Operations Manager at MLA Traffic and MLD Corporation. Damian works across crew coordination, on-site compliance, equipment logistics, and permit pathways with VicRoads and Melbourne councils.