Published Monday, 02 June, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Wet weather delays opening of Tugun Bypass to traffic
The new Tugun Bypass will not open to traffic today because of wet weather conditions.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said weather conditions at the bypass on the southern end of the Gold Coast had deteriorated overnight and this morning.
“Main Roads still has to undertake line-marking associated with the traffic switch. This line-marking is absolutely essential in terms of road safety.
“It has to be carried out at the same time as the traffic is switched on to the new bypass.
“It takes approximately four hours to complete, it needs to be done in dry weather, and it needs to be done outside of peak hours.
“For these reasons, it will not be able to be done today.
“Main Roads will assess the situation on a day-to-day basis, and will proceed with the opening as soon as the weather permits.”
Mr Pitt said it was ironic that dry weather conditions that had helped the bypass to be finished six months ahead of schedule had been replaced by wet weather which was now causing a last-minute delay.
For updates, phone the Main Roads traffic hotline on 13 19 40 or visit Main Roads’ traffic information website, www.131940.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said weather conditions at the bypass on the southern end of the Gold Coast had deteriorated overnight and this morning.
“Main Roads still has to undertake line-marking associated with the traffic switch. This line-marking is absolutely essential in terms of road safety.
“It has to be carried out at the same time as the traffic is switched on to the new bypass.
“It takes approximately four hours to complete, it needs to be done in dry weather, and it needs to be done outside of peak hours.
“For these reasons, it will not be able to be done today.
“Main Roads will assess the situation on a day-to-day basis, and will proceed with the opening as soon as the weather permits.”
Mr Pitt said it was ironic that dry weather conditions that had helped the bypass to be finished six months ahead of schedule had been replaced by wet weather which was now causing a last-minute delay.
For updates, phone the Main Roads traffic hotline on 13 19 40 or visit Main Roads’ traffic information website, www.131940.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819