Temporary road or footpath closure permits

If you need to temporarily close a road or footpath or do any work that affects the road or footpath area, an application to undertake works within the road reserve must be made to obtain a permit from us first.

This information is here to help you understand the process and what’s needed to apply.

Examples of when a permit is required:

  • construction and/or maintenance works to install or upgrade infrastructure (ie. driveway crossovers, water/sewer or stormwater infrastructure, road widening, line marking)
  • location of plant or equipment (including cranes) to support a work site
  • geotechnical investigations
  • traffic management to support an event held within private property
  • use of road reserve as part of a work support zone
  • installation of scaffolding on the footpath/road to support works at height.

The time required to review and issue a permit depends on the complexity of your application. We are committed to providing a response within 10 working days. We remain contactable throughout the process to support you at each step. Give yourself plenty of time before works are due to start, and be sure to provide complete, high-quality documentation.

To help you get started on the right foot, Council offers a pre-start meeting before you submit your application. All involved parties should be present to discuss requirements and potential issues. This often results in a smoother application process.

To request a meeting, email council at traffic@tr.qld.gov.au. A Council officer will contact you to set up a suitable time.

Apply as a residential or commercial applicant

  1. Engage a qualified Traffic Management Designer to prepare a Traffic Management Plan (TMP). A TMP is needed to support your application for a temporary road or footpath closure permit. Refer below for full TMP requirements.
  2. Complete the online Temporary road or footpath closure application and attach the following documents:
  • Traffic Management Documentation
  • Public Liability insurance (minimum $20 million coverage)
  • Approved Plans and specification of proposed work
  • Open Trenching Report (if required)

Detailed requirements for supporting documents for residential or commercial applicant

Traffic Management Plan

You must include a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) with your application if you are proposing a temporary road or footpath closure. The TMP must be:

  • Prepared by a qualified and competent person
  • In line with the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Queensland Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM)

The TMP must include all the following:

  • A site-specific risk assessment
  • An options analysis (explaining whether traffic will go through, past, or around the work area)
  • A Traffic Guidance Scheme(s) (TGS) that:
    • Shows a cross-section with measurements proving; Minimum lane widths meet QGTTM Part 3 Table 2.5, that there is enough space for pedestrians to pass safely, that the design considers the zone of influence under the Code of Practice – Excavations
    • Includes a unique drawing number
    • Is in colour
  • If your works qualify under QGTTM Part 5: Short-Term Low-Impact Worksites, you may instead submit: 
    • A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and
    • Documents showing where and how the SWMS and/or site-specific TGS will be used

All documents must be:

  • Signed by a competent person
  • Supported with evidence of qualifications

Council will not approve TMPs that include:

  • Detours that use unformed, unopened, or unmaintained roads listed on Council’s Road Register
  • Contraflow traffic (vehicles moving in the wrong direction) on any Council-controlled roundabout
  • Pedestrian detours longer than 1 km, or no pedestrian detour at all, for four-lane roads

Public liability insurance policy

You must provide a current public liability insurance policy that covers the proposed works on a road. The policy must be for at least $20 million.

Plans and specification of proposed work

You must include plans that show what work will be done and how.

  • If the work is part of a development, include the approved Operational Works Drawings.
  • If the work is not part of a development, include plans and details that show:
    • What type of work will be done
    • Which part of the road will be used
    • Where each piece of equipment or structure will go
    • The type and location of any nearby services, utilities, or infrastructure that will be used

Open Trenching Report (if required)

If your application involves open trenching on a council road, and you don’t already have approval through an Operational Works Approval, you must include a report.

The report must:

  • Be prepared by a competent person
  • Explain reasons as to why the road crossing cannot be under-bored.

Fee classification (effective 1 July 2025)

An application fee is required before your assessment can commence.

Short-Term Low-Impact Classification permit

Minor Classification permit

  • Part footpath or shoulder closure
  • Unformed/unopened road
  • Single residential property driveway or stormwater connection
  • View the Minor Classification permit fee 

Medium Classification permit

Major Classification permit

Work Support Zone

  • Work Support Zone is an area designated to support construction activities and may be used for purposes such as site deliveries, crane installation, site office placement, and other related functions.

How to apply as a utility authority of its contractor

  1. Request the Application Form - Email traffic@tr.qld.gov.au or call us to request a printable (PDF) version of the application form.

2. Complete the Form - Fill out all required sections of the form.

3. Submit Your Application and attach the following documents to traffic@tr.qld.gov.au:

  • Traffic Management Documentation
  • Land Access Certificate (if applicable)
  • Approved Design Plans (if applicable)
  • Open Trenching Report (if required)

Detailed requirements for supporting documents for a utility authority or its contractor

Traffic Management Plan

You must include a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) with your application if you are proposing a temporary road or footpath closure. The TMP must be:

  • Prepared by a qualified and competent person
  • In line with the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Queensland Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM)

The TMP must include all the following:

  • A site-specific risk assessment
  • An options analysis (explaining whether traffic will go through, past, or around the work area)
  • Traffic Guidance Scheme(s) (TGS) that:

1. Show a cross-section with measurements proving:

  • Minimum lane widths meet QGTTM Part 3 Table 2.5
  • There is enough space for pedestrians to pass safely
  • The design considers the zone of influence under the Code of Practice – Excavations

2. Include a unique drawing number and are in colour

Alternative option for low-impact works

If your works qualify under QGTTM Part 5: Short-Term Low-Impact Worksites, you may instead submit:

  • A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), and
  • Documents showing where and how the SWMS and/or site-specific TGS will be used

All documents must be:

  • Signed by a competent person
  • Supported with evidence of qualifications

Council will not approve TMPs that include:

  • Detours that use unformed, unopened, or unmaintained roads listed on Council’s Road Register
  • Contraflow traffic (vehicles moving in the wrong direction) on any Council-controlled roundabout
  • Pedestrian detours longer than 1 km, or no pedestrian detour at all, for four-lane roads

Land Access Certificate (if applicable)

You must provide a Land Access Certificate (LAC) if you are installing new utility infrastructure within the road reserve under council jurisdiction.

Approved Design Plans (If applicable)

You must provide approved design plans if you are installing new utility infrastructure within the road reserve under council jurisdiction.

Open Trenching Report (if required)

If your application involves open trenching on a Council road, and you don’t already have approval through a Land Access Certificate, you must include a report.

The report must:

  • Be prepared by a competent person
  • Explain reasons as to why the road crossing cannot be underbored.

Conditions of your permit

If your permit is approved, please take the time to carefully review all conditions attached to it. These conditions are specific to your planned activity and site location.

Enquiries

If you have any questions or are unsure about any of the conditions, contact us for clarification

Further information

Applications to undertake work within the road reserve fall under Local Law (Administration) 2020 & Subordinate Local Law No. 1.15 (Carrying Out Works on a Road or Interfering with a Road or its Operation) 2025. Check our Local Laws.

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