Works Authorisation Deed (WAD) – Developer Support

What is a Works Authorisation Deed (WAD)?

A Works Authorisation Deed is a legal agreement between Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and a developer. It is required for any works that impact state roads, classified roads, or TfNSW-controlled traffic infrastructure, such as:

New or modified intersections, slip lanes, or traffic control signals (TCS).
Adjustments to kerb alignments, medians, or pedestrian crossings.
Utility connections or drainage upgrades within or near TfNSW assets.

It is a means of ensuring any impacts from development to TfNSW’s road infrastructure are appropriately managed and that all restoration works are carried out in accordance with TfNSW specifications.

Why It Matters:

Where a WAD is required, it will generally need to be entered into as a precondition of obtaining a construction certificate (CC) for development works. Execution of a WAD can be an involved process requiring subject matter expertise on the developer’s behalf. Failure to achieve execution of a WAD can delay or even prevent receipt of the Construction Certificate. Further, where works are not undertaken in accordance with the WAD, this can prevent the developer from eventually obtaining their Occupation Certificate (OC).

Why Developers Come Unstuck

TfNSW systems are complex – TfNSW requirements involve multiple departments, technical approvals, bonds, fees, and certifications that are not always clear to developers.

TfNSW standards are strict – All designs, contractors, and processes must align with TfNSW technical standards, as if it were one of their own projects.

The WAD process is rarely straightforward. Delays often arise due to:

Late identification of WAD triggers during Development Application (DA) or CC stages.
Insufficient design documentation or misunderstanding of TfNSW supplements to Austroads and Australian Standards.
Missing or delayed bank guarantees, insurances, or road occupancy licences (ROLs).
Failure to meet TfNSW’s internal review cycles, resulting in extended back-and-forth with case officers.
A lack of end-to-end project management across TfNSW, council, consultants, and contractors.

Our Role - Your WAD Partner

We don’t just advise — we work as part of your project team.

From the start, we take ownership of the WAD process, managing all communication with TfNSW and ensuring every requirement is addressed.

Our approach includes:

Construction Stage Support

Align contractors and subcontractors to TfNSW prequalification requirements and address NCRs or RFIs.

Deed Execution

Manage the entire WAD initiation, signing process, and associated TfNSW fees.

Design Oversight

Ensure concept and detailed designs (civil, drainage, traffic signals) meet TfNSW standards and are independently certified where required.

Early Engagement

Identify WAD requirements arising from development approval and liaise with TfNSW case officers.

Practical Completion & Handover

Manage notices, Works As Executed (WAE) drawings, defect rectification, and security release, ensuring no delays to OC.

Pre-Construction Management

Coordinate bank guarantees, tendering project to prequalified contractors (only TfNSW prequalified contractors can undertake TfNSW works), tendering for and securing a Project Verifier for the project (Major WADs typically require a Project Verifier).