A.2Closing or restricting access on a state-controlled road only#
A state-controlled road may be temporarily closed or have access restricted as per the provisions of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (TIA) Section 46, Temporary restrictions on use of state-controlled roads (SCR). A restricted road use notice (RRUN) is used to advise the road user or other persons of how the SCR is restricted and the penalty for driving past the RRUN. The TIA provisions are enforceable under the Act and only apply to state-controlled roads.
The signs in Figures A.2.1, A.2.2 and A.2.3 below are RRUN examples of the multi-message sign arrangements conforming to the requirements of the TIA and the MUTCD. The combination of the black on white messages in the top two panels that include the condition of the closure or restriction and state the penalty – are required for enforcement. They can either be in the one sign or as a multi-message arrangement with the DUE TO FLOODING black on yellow message and the LOCAL ACCESS PERMITS EXCEPTED black on white message being complementary to the enforcement sign but are not required for enforcement.
Barrier boards are required each side of a road closed arrangement (see Figure A.2.2) to completely block access to the roadway at the site of any road closure.
It is important where access to a road is restricted that the start and end points of the restriction are identified by RRUN. The end of the road restriction is also identified by a RRUN which terminates the restriction (see Figure A.2.3). The end of a temporary road closure is not required as the road would be closed for traffic trying to access at the opposite end by a RRUN facing them.
Written approval can be provided by the department to allow a road user to drive past a RRUN for a single, multi-trip or for those performing roles such as transport inspectors. Application (in the form of an approval to drive past a RRUN) is typically made to the Transport and Main Roads' district office and is considered by authorised officers, with the outcome provided to the applicant as soon as practical. Where an outcome is approved certain conditions may be applied, including an assumption of risk by the applicant. Signs at temporary restrictions may indicate LOCAL ACCESS PERMITS EXCEPTED which refers to those that have been issued with an approval to drive past a restricted road use notice. However, where the approval has been issued and the signage does not include such statement, it does not preclude the road user from relying on the approval.
