At Contraflow, safety is at the core of everything we do. In line with the latest mandatory requirements from Main Roads Western Australia, we are proud to announce the addition of a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) to our fleet. This equipment is essential in ensuring the safety of our workers, clients, and road users, particularly on high-speed and high-traffic roadways.
What is a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA)?
A Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) is a specialised vehicle equipped with a kinetic absorption device—commonly referred to as a crash cushion—that is mounted on the rear of a truck. It is specifically designed to absorb the impact of collisions from errant vehicles, thereby reducing the severity of accidents in work zones. The TMA acts as a barrier between oncoming traffic and the work area, effectively safeguarding the lives of road workers and drivers.
Why are TMAs Crucial for Road Safety?
With the increasing distraction among motorists due to factors like mobile phone use, highway construction zones have become particularly hazardous. TMAs are essential for minimising the risks associated with these hazards. By absorbing the force of an impact, TMAs can save lives—both of the road crew and the occupants of errant vehicles.
Moreover, TMAs are not just limited to construction sites; they are also used in various other situations, including traffic control, emergency response, and utility work. They serve as a protective shield for activities such as line striping, flagging operations, pothole patching, herbicide spraying, and more.
When and How Are TMAs Used?
TMAs are commonly used in high-risk work zones, particularly on roads with high traffic volumes or where the speed limit exceeds 90 km/h. They are deployed during roadworks, construction, or maintenance activities where workers are exposed to moving traffic. The use of TMAs is now mandatory in many scenarios as per the guidelines from Main Roads WA, especially during the setup and pack-up of Traffic Management Plans and for protection in mobile work operations.
Contraflow’s TMAs meet the strict standards set by Main Roads WA, ensuring they are suitable for use on Freeways and other high-speed roads. These standards include requirements for the host vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), the specifications of the impact attenuator unit, and the operational procedures for deploying the TMA safely and effectively.
At Contraflow, we are dedicated to ensuring that every worksite we manage is as safe as possible. The addition of TMAs to our fleet is just one of the many ways we are investing in the safety of our team and the community. As we continue to upgrade our equipment and procedures, we are confident that we can offer unmatched service while adhering to the most stringent safety standards.
For more information on how our Truck Mounted Attenuators can improve safety on your project, or to discuss your traffic management needs, please contact us at bookings@contraflow.com.au.