'The Bruce and Warrego have been rated among Australias worst national highways in a new road report. And they werent the only ones. Alarmingly, one third of Qlds national highways were given safety ratings of only one and two stars. Are you surprised? Were calling on the Federal Government to commit $1.47B for upgrades to curb the rising road toll.'
-- Edited by Beth54 on Thursday 25th of July 2013 06:38:02 PM
herbie said
11:10 PM Jul 25, 2013
The funding now is going to be over the next 10 years,so in my way of thinking it will be like maintaining the Sydney harbour Bridge.Finish one end just restart it all over again year in year out.
In all this up grade the people who designed it all never took into account to allow for some extra heavy vehicle rest stops,so now the truckie union are up in arms saying it will not help their long distance drivers fatigue management one one otto .If any thing it will make it worse.
-- Edited by herbie on Thursday 25th of July 2013 11:11:00 PM
jules47 said
01:55 AM Jul 26, 2013
You mean, they have only just discovered this!!!!!!???!!!!! Do they not listen to the travelling public?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
woolman said
01:57 AM Jul 26, 2013
One thing Qld need to do re roads is change the standards for construction. From what I understand Qld is the only state that can build a road without a level verge between sealed surface and water table. As soon as you leave the sealed road the vehicle is on an angle beyond recovery.
Neil
jules47 said
01:58 AM Jul 26, 2013
Right there woolman - sometimes the drop off is almost 6 inches !!!!!!
Beth54 said
02:07 AM Jul 26, 2013
Yes, I meant to add on my first post that der! WE knew that!
I noticed that on my recent trip along the Warrego Hwy woolman. The new section being built was a HUGE drop. I assumed they'd bring the sides up to level.
hako said
03:05 AM Jul 26, 2013
Beth54 wrote:
Yes, I meant to add on my first post that der! WE knew that!
I noticed that on my recent trip along the Warrego Hwy woolman. The new section being built was a HUGE drop. I assumed they'd bring the sides up to level.
Beth, if you're talking about the section(s) between Oakey and Dalby, my son who works for Main Roads says it will be levelled and something mixed in with the dirt either side of the road to bind it so it doesn't wash away....normal practice. Queensland roads suffer from poor subsoil - something that means the foundations for the road going down a few metres is generally unstable.
Beth54 said
03:21 AM Jul 26, 2013
Yes, Hako that was the section. That's interesting. Thanks.
I know the blacksoil country is terrible for road making. The section that immediately springs to mind is west of Mitchell. As far back as I remember, that section has been a mess. It just moves and breaks up all the time.
We were camped on the blacksoil by the creek at Jondaryan Woolshed a few years ago, and it rained. The big cracks in the ground closed up and just turned to slime. Everyone had to be towed out by the tractor, even 4WDs.
herbie said
03:39 AM Jul 26, 2013
I remember posting re the state of the Bruce H/Way not long back,and also remember some posters saying it was not the condition of the road but the drivers....Beats me why people have this mind set one can be the best of drivers,but due to the poor condition re the road you are driving on, in a split second you hit a rut or the camber of the road throws the vehicle off into an out of control vehicle.
rockylizard said
04:47 AM Jul 26, 2013
Gday...
I too have experienced the "Major Highways" of QLD and have found them wanting. What with lack of maintenance, flood damage, constant traffic use, road-trains and big, heavily loaded trucks it will always be a problem for the 'authorities'.
But, in a bit of perspective, let's compare Victoria and QLD for a minute.
Victoria -
Melb to Mildura on Murray (longest distance north) = 542km
Melb to Mt Gambier (longest distance west) = 442km
Melb to Eden NSW (longest distance east) = 554km
Queensland -
Coolangatta to Cairns (north along coast) = 1810km
Brisbane to Cunnamulla (west) = 800km
Ayr to Camooweal (west) = 1120km
Normanton to QLD/NSW border (distance inland) = 1740
I guess, that's a damned lot of real estate to keep in some sort of good nick - given flood damage, constant traffic use, road-trains and big, heavily loaded trucks especially.
Interestingly, I travel primarily on the "back/minor" roads in my travels and very often in QLD these are much better than the 'major' highways. I guess they get less traffic and less trucks.
I also agree, Herbie, one should always drive to the conditions but that is difficult on the Bruce because often, to drive to the conditions, being prepared for the inevitable, means driving at a slow pace and that only attracts the inconsiderate wrath and abuse of all those other road users that wanna keep the boot in and hate to be slowed down.
It would appear the 'authorities' (given the pending election) are going to inject funds to "fix" the Bruce and it is long overdue. But look carefully at the golden goose - the plan is to spend the money over the next three years or so - by that time, what is good today will be run-down. The funding needs to be ongoing.
Stepping off me soapbox
Cheers - and stay inland and in the small rural regions - John
Wombat 280 said
08:38 AM Jul 26, 2013
Beth54 wrote:
'The Bruce and Warrego have been rated among Australias worst national highways in a new road report. And they werent the only ones. Alarmingly, one third of Qlds national highways were given safety ratings of only one and two stars. Are you surprised? Were calling on the Federal Government to commit $1.47B for upgrades to curb the rising road toll.'
-- Edited by Beth54 on Thursday 25th of July 2013 06:38:02 PM
I am of the view that I don't trust the motoring associations, every one of them are claiming their state has the worst roads funny that it just happens to be an election year and they trot out the same old chestnut as they do every election year . Never seen a Motoring association call for increases in public transport and their cries are normally big city centric with pics of lane choked sections of highways during peak hour
Personally I haven't found a national highway that I haven't been able to travel safely, yes some sections are rough but if we take into account the climatic conditions of the area and realize that floods and heavy rains do take a toll on the road surfaces and most councils and road authorities rely on contractors to fix the problem so resources aren't always available at the making of a phone call. If councils fully allocated all the funds they receive for roads then we would have a 6 lane highways everywhere, but they don't and we don't have what we pay for.
-- Edited by Wombat 280 on Friday 26th of July 2013 08:59:09 AM
JayDee said
03:41 PM Jul 26, 2013
herbie wrote:
The funding now is going to be over the next 10 years,so in my way of thinking it will be like maintaining the Sydney harbour Bridge.Finish one end just restart it all over again year in year out.
In all this up grade the people who designed it all never took into account to allow for some extra heavy vehicle rest stops,so now the truckie union are up in arms saying it will not help their long distance drivers fatigue management one one otto .If any thing it will make it worse.
Totally agree Herbie.
Yes I like may have been complaining re the BRUCE and the WARREGO just to name a fes. The WARREGO is one of the worst roads to travel on.
Yes ago, back in the 50's the western people, NEVER used the Warrego along the railway track, instead they travelled what we called The Condamine Highway. 3 miles of bitumen either side of Roma and Condamine. The rest was gravel road with the classic name "The Crystal Highway" due to the number of windscreen broken on the Condamine.
Next thing you know they will be introducing a toll for the user pays to help fund the works.
Where does all our Rego money go. I would estimate that in new cars along last year that the revenue generated would have been in excess of ONE BILLION Dollars.
Go figure. I guess it is called P.P.M = P... Poor Manageent
Jay&Dee -- Edited by herbie on Thursday 25th of July 2013 11:11:00 PM
sandsmere said
04:26 PM Jul 26, 2013
The state of the main roads and highways in Qld. is really not surprising when the flooding and constant
wet weather over the last few years is considered . Also the distances involved .
Huge amounts of money is needed .
We'd all scream and yell if regos etc. went up to raise more money , but that is probably what should happen .
Beth54 said
06:36 PM Jul 26, 2013
Good points Rocky Lizard. The distances are enormous, and between rain, poor subsoil is some areas, and the amount of heavy haulage, it must be a nightmare for the planners, particularly if they're not getting enough funding...assuming that is correct and not just passing the blame.
There's also been a huge migration of population from other states, NZ etc over the years, which means more housing is needed, ie: roads. The 'satellite' cities of SEQ are a perfect example. Springfield is a huge area within the Ipswich City Council, but they're only now widening the Centenary Highway to accommodate the traffic. Yarrabilba in Logan City, along Waterford-Tamborine Road, is currently under construction, but nothing has been started on the roads.
I'm sure this goes on in other states, and not just here in Qld.
Gerty Dancer said
10:16 PM Jul 26, 2013
The Bruce Highway is not our favourite track, and one of the reasons for this is the huge amount of roadworks. Surely ongoing roadworks is what it takes to fix it?
The dog lady said
07:11 AM Jul 29, 2013
This topic always makes me think on council rates - I don't pay much compared to my town-dwelling friends, but I don't get rubbish collection, footpaths, town water or sewer; in fact I'm lucky if the dirt road gets graded once every few years. But I choose to live out where I have a 1km road frontage and I don't want the rates to quadruple. I think it's a similar story with the roads out in the country. With the relatively small population in Au, we would all have to pay MUCH higher rego to fund all those kms of roads. Easy in countries like US where pop density is much greater. I prefer our space, and I'm sorry but I think if you want city quality roads and amenities, you'll have to stay in the city.
sandsmere said
12:27 PM Jul 29, 2013
Good post dog lady .
Big country , small population = not enough money .
If you don't like country roads , stay in the city .
'The Bruce and Warrego have been rated among Australias worst national highways in a new road report. And they werent the only ones. Alarmingly, one third of Qlds national highways were given safety ratings of only one and two stars. Are you surprised? Were calling on the Federal Government to commit $1.47B for upgrades to curb the rising road toll.'
http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/roads/australian_road_assessment_program_ausrap
-- Edited by Beth54 on Thursday 25th of July 2013 06:38:02 PM
The funding now is going to be over the next 10 years,so in my way of thinking it will be like maintaining the Sydney harbour Bridge.Finish one end just restart it all over again year in year out.
In all this up grade the people who designed it all never took into account to allow for some extra heavy vehicle rest stops,so now the truckie union are up in arms saying it will not help their long distance drivers fatigue management one one otto .If any thing it will make it worse.
-- Edited by herbie on Thursday 25th of July 2013 11:11:00 PM
One thing Qld need to do re roads is change the standards for construction. From what I understand Qld is the only state that can build a road without a level verge between sealed surface and water table. As soon as you leave the sealed road the vehicle is on an angle beyond recovery.
Neil
Yes, I meant to add on my first post that der! WE knew that!
I noticed that on my recent trip along the Warrego Hwy woolman. The new section being built was a HUGE drop. I assumed they'd bring the sides up to level.
Beth, if you're talking about the section(s) between Oakey and Dalby, my son who works for Main Roads says it will be levelled and something mixed in with the dirt either side of the road to bind it so it doesn't wash away....normal practice. Queensland roads suffer from poor subsoil - something that means the foundations for the road going down a few metres is generally unstable.
Yes, Hako that was the section. That's interesting. Thanks.
I know the blacksoil country is terrible for road making. The section that immediately springs to mind is west of Mitchell. As far back as I remember, that section has been a mess. It just moves and breaks up all the time.
We were camped on the blacksoil by the creek at Jondaryan Woolshed a few years ago, and it rained.
The big cracks in the ground closed up and just turned to slime. Everyone had to be towed out by the tractor, even 4WDs.
I remember posting re the state of the Bruce H/Way not long back,and also remember some posters saying it was not the condition of the road but the drivers....Beats me why people have this mind set one can be the best of drivers,but due to the poor condition re the road you are driving on, in a split second you hit a rut or the camber of the road throws the vehicle off into an out of control vehicle.
Gday...
I too have experienced the "Major Highways" of QLD and have found them wanting. What with lack of maintenance, flood damage, constant traffic use, road-trains and big, heavily loaded trucks it will always be a problem for the 'authorities'.
But, in a bit of perspective, let's compare Victoria and QLD for a minute.
Victoria -
Melb to Mildura on Murray (longest distance north) = 542km
Melb to Mt Gambier (longest distance west) = 442km
Melb to Eden NSW (longest distance east) = 554km
Queensland -
Coolangatta to Cairns (north along coast) = 1810km
Brisbane to Cunnamulla (west) = 800km
Ayr to Camooweal (west) = 1120km
Normanton to QLD/NSW border (distance inland) = 1740
I guess, that's a damned lot of real estate to keep in some sort of good nick - given flood damage, constant traffic use, road-trains and big, heavily loaded trucks especially.
Interestingly, I travel primarily on the "back/minor" roads in my travels and very often in QLD these are much better than the 'major' highways. I guess they get less traffic and less trucks.
I also agree, Herbie, one should always drive to the conditions but that is difficult on the Bruce because often, to drive to the conditions, being prepared for the inevitable, means driving at a slow pace and that only attracts the inconsiderate wrath and abuse of all those other road users that wanna keep the boot in and hate to be slowed down.
It would appear the 'authorities' (given the pending election) are going to inject funds to "fix" the Bruce and it is long overdue. But look carefully at the golden goose - the plan is to spend the money over the next three years or so - by that time, what is good today will be run-down. The funding needs to be ongoing.
Stepping off me soapbox
Cheers - and stay inland and in the small rural regions
- John
I am of the view that I don't trust the motoring associations, every one of them are claiming their state has the worst roads funny that it just happens to be an election year and they trot out the same old chestnut as they do every election year . Never seen a Motoring association call for increases in public transport and their cries are normally big city centric with pics of lane choked sections of highways during peak hour
Personally I haven't found a national highway that I haven't been able to travel safely, yes some sections are rough but if we take into account the climatic conditions of the area and realize that floods and heavy rains do take a toll on the road surfaces and most councils and road authorities rely on contractors to fix the problem so resources aren't always available at the making of a phone call. If councils fully allocated all the funds they receive for roads then we would have a 6 lane highways everywhere, but they don't and we don't have what we pay for.
-- Edited by Wombat 280 on Friday 26th of July 2013 08:59:09 AM
The state of the main roads and highways in Qld. is really not surprising when the flooding and constant
wet weather over the last few years is considered . Also the distances involved .
Huge amounts of money is needed .
We'd all scream and yell if regos etc. went up to raise more money , but that is probably what should happen .
Good points Rocky Lizard. The distances are enormous, and between rain, poor subsoil is some areas, and the amount of heavy haulage, it must be a nightmare for the planners, particularly if they're not getting enough funding...assuming that is correct and not just passing the blame.
There's also been a huge migration of population from other states, NZ etc over the years, which means more housing is needed, ie: roads. The 'satellite' cities of SEQ are a perfect example. Springfield is a huge area within the Ipswich City Council, but they're only now widening the Centenary Highway to accommodate the traffic. Yarrabilba in Logan City, along Waterford-Tamborine Road, is currently under construction, but nothing has been started on the roads.
I'm sure this goes on in other states, and not just here in Qld.
Good post dog lady .
Big country , small population = not enough money .
If you don't like country roads , stay in the city .