From working on the road to designing safer ways to navigate worksites, Sheldon Smith brings practical experience to his role as Senior Traffic Management Designer at Trafman Solutions.
Sheldon was a finalist for the Traffic Management Designer of the Year Excellence Award at this year’s Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMMA) Excellence Awards.
Sheldon entered the industry in 2016 as a Traffic Controller, progressing to Team Leader within six months before moving into planning and becoming a qualified designer. He joined Trafman in July 2022 and now leads a team of traffic management designers.
His role combines technical expertise with an understanding of what crews need on site. From barrier positioning and road layouts to construction staging, Sheldon develops plans that protect workers and keep motorists, pedestrians and cyclists moving safely.
He also played a key role in helping Trafman implement the harmonised Austroads framework, guiding colleagues through the requirements and seeking expert clarification to support a smooth transition.
Sharing knowledge is central to his approach. Sheldon mentors fellow designers, collaborates with project and operations managers, and developed a practical reference guide to help traffic controllers make consistent, informed decisions in the field.
By connecting detailed planning with operational experience, Sheldon helps Trafman deliver safe, practical traffic management solutions while supporting the development of its people and improving access for the communities around its worksites.