Coast traffic management upgraded ahead of Tugun Bypass opening
Published Wednesday, 28 May, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Traffic operations on the Gold Coast have been improved in the lead-up to the Tugun Bypass opening, courtesy of today’s launch of an upgraded traffic management centre (TMC) at Nerang.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt was on hand to officially unveil the revamped TMC, which will now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
He also met the family that won the Gold Coast Bulletin’s competition to be the first people to be driven along the bypass.
The winner was Michelle Christie, of Broadbeach Waters, and her four children – Samantha, 18, Jasmine, 16, James, 10, and Chanel, 9 – will be a part of history on Sunday 1 June when they are driven along the bypass at the community fun day.
The win means the family will also meet Premier Anna Bligh on Sunday, when she officially opens the $543 million bypass.
Mr Pitt said the Gold Coast traffic management centre would play a crucial role in monitoring and managing traffic to provide relevant, real time and accurate information about conditions on major roads in the region.
"We've renovated the existing TMC so that it is ready to handle the extra workload associated with the opening of the Tugun Bypass,” he said.
Main Roads’ South Coast Region also launched three new traffic response units (TRUs) today, ensuring effective management of on-the-road incidents in the area.
"TRUs play a pivotal role in Main Roads management of traffic, and the additional units will be put to good use," Mr Pitt said.
"Many on-the-road incidents require immediate action by trained staff, and these TRUs are used as part of a coordinated approach with Queensland Police and other emergency services."
Main Roads Regional Director Miles Vass highlighted the new features of the TMC, including a larger console room and a digital video wall with digital camera images.
"The upgraded TMC has been designed to link in with the Tugun Bypass's intelligent transport system (ITS)," Mr Vass said.
"This means that our operators will be able to control features such as the tunnel ventilation system, the fire suppression – or water deluge – system, variable message signs and surveillance cameras.”
Mr Vass said Main Roads' TMC operators had recently been through an extensive training course, and were well prepared for the opening of the Tugun Bypass.
"This commissioning is the final step in us being ready and waiting for the opening of the Tugun Bypass to traffic on Monday 2 June," Mr Vass said.
"With the 24/7 TMC now in operation, and the additional TRUs ready to be deployed, we'll be able to provide an even better service to motorists.
Motorists wishing to report an incident or hear traffic reports in the Gold Coast area can call 13 19 40. Alternatively, log on to www.131940.qld.gov.au for the latest traffic information.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt was on hand to officially unveil the revamped TMC, which will now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
He also met the family that won the Gold Coast Bulletin’s competition to be the first people to be driven along the bypass.
The winner was Michelle Christie, of Broadbeach Waters, and her four children – Samantha, 18, Jasmine, 16, James, 10, and Chanel, 9 – will be a part of history on Sunday 1 June when they are driven along the bypass at the community fun day.
The win means the family will also meet Premier Anna Bligh on Sunday, when she officially opens the $543 million bypass.
Mr Pitt said the Gold Coast traffic management centre would play a crucial role in monitoring and managing traffic to provide relevant, real time and accurate information about conditions on major roads in the region.
"We've renovated the existing TMC so that it is ready to handle the extra workload associated with the opening of the Tugun Bypass,” he said.
Main Roads’ South Coast Region also launched three new traffic response units (TRUs) today, ensuring effective management of on-the-road incidents in the area.
"TRUs play a pivotal role in Main Roads management of traffic, and the additional units will be put to good use," Mr Pitt said.
"Many on-the-road incidents require immediate action by trained staff, and these TRUs are used as part of a coordinated approach with Queensland Police and other emergency services."
Main Roads Regional Director Miles Vass highlighted the new features of the TMC, including a larger console room and a digital video wall with digital camera images.
"The upgraded TMC has been designed to link in with the Tugun Bypass's intelligent transport system (ITS)," Mr Vass said.
"This means that our operators will be able to control features such as the tunnel ventilation system, the fire suppression – or water deluge – system, variable message signs and surveillance cameras.”
Mr Vass said Main Roads' TMC operators had recently been through an extensive training course, and were well prepared for the opening of the Tugun Bypass.
"This commissioning is the final step in us being ready and waiting for the opening of the Tugun Bypass to traffic on Monday 2 June," Mr Vass said.
"With the 24/7 TMC now in operation, and the additional TRUs ready to be deployed, we'll be able to provide an even better service to motorists.
Motorists wishing to report an incident or hear traffic reports in the Gold Coast area can call 13 19 40. Alternatively, log on to www.131940.qld.gov.au for the latest traffic information.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819