OPLINC & Road Occupancy Licence Applications — We Lodge It For You

OPLINC stands for the Online PLanned INCident system. It's the Transport for NSW online portal where registered users lodge applications for a Road Occupancy Licence on State and arterial roads. Applications are assessed by the TfNSW Transport Management Centre (TMC). It's separate from any council ROL system, which is used for local roads.

A ROL is a permit allowing you to occupy a specified road space at approved times, subject to conditions. It's required for any activity likely to impact traffic flow — even off-road work like craning over a footpath. Importantly, it covers the road occupation only; it doesn't approve the physical works, and it doesn't replace a CTMP or development consent.

It depends on who controls the road. Work on a TfNSW classified (State) road — or within 100m of traffic signals on any road — goes through OPLINC to the TMC. Work in a local council road reserve goes through that council's own ROL system. Jobs crossing both need both approvals, aligned to the same dates. We confirm which applies before lodging.

TfNSW processes new registrations and ROL applications within around 10 business days of submission. That window only holds for clean applications — a knock-back for a non-compliant TGS or missing detail resets the clock. We lodge correctly the first time and manage the TMC review to keep it on track. Lodge early, especially around restriction periods.

You can, but OPLINC registration is a hurdle. If your ABN is already registered you need an existing business representative or the Network Access Coordination Unit to register you, and you can't lodge without a compliant Traffic Guidance Scheme. Most builders hand it to us so registration delays and TGS rejections don't cost them site days.

Yes. The TMC won't issue a ROL without a Traffic Guidance Scheme showing your work zone, signage and devices, prepared to AS 1742.3 and the TfNSW Traffic Control at Work Sites Technical Manual, and site-stamped for your location. The TGS is the supporting document the whole application hinges on — and it's included in our service.

TfNSW doesn't charge a standard application fee for a ROL itself. Our service fee — covering the compliant TGS, OPLINC registration and lodgement, and managing the TMC review — is estimated from around $1,800 for a single occupation up to $7,000+ for complex, long-duration jobs. Send us a written competitor quote and we'll beat it by 10%.

TfNSW blocks planned work on identified roads during the busiest times — generally school holidays and public holidays. During these restricted periods, no planned occupation is permitted on the listed roads. The Sydney Metropolitan and regional calendars are published yearly. We check your dates against the current calendar before lodging so you don't get caught.

No. A CTMP is the DA-condition document governing traffic across the whole construction period, usually approved before your Construction Certificate. A ROL is a short-duration permit to occupy a specific stretch of road during specific works. On a single project you can need a CTMP, one or more ROLs, and the TGSs that support them — they work together, not instead of each other.

Yes. ROLs are issued for set dates, and an extension request needs to be submitted before the current licence expires — councils typically want a couple of business days' notice, and TfNSW the same through OPLINC. If your scope or dates have changed materially, a fresh application may be needed instead. We manage extensions so your occupation doesn't lapse mid-job.