Published Wednesday, 11 June, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Tugun Bypass southbound tunnel reopens after ‘glitch’
The Tugun Bypass traffic and tunnel management system was put to the test this morning when a system fault resulted in the temporary closure of the southbound lanes.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said a technical fault occurred at 10am and caused the system to default to "fail-safe" mode, which errs on the side of caution.
"As a result, the system immediately closed the southbound tunnel and diverted all southbound traffic on to the Gold Coast Highway,” Mr Pitt said.
"There was no actual accident or safety risk to the travelling public, and the fail-safe system operated as it had been designed to do.
"These sort of operational teething issues occasionally occur in the early stages of commissioning a new and sophisticated road management system of the kind involved here.
“We have examined the fault that caused the shutdown and we are now reviewing the system to minimise the chances of this type of glitch happening again.
“The response also highlighted the need for motorists to follow the directions displayed on the variable message signs at entry points to the bypass.
"On a positive note, this morning's system operation shows that the Tugun Bypass is equipped to handle any incidents, with safety always being our number one priority.
"Our Gold Coast Traffic Management Centre responded quickly and reopened the southbound lanes at 11.10am."
To report an incident or to hear traffic updates, motorists can call 13 19 40 or log on to www.131940.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said a technical fault occurred at 10am and caused the system to default to "fail-safe" mode, which errs on the side of caution.
"As a result, the system immediately closed the southbound tunnel and diverted all southbound traffic on to the Gold Coast Highway,” Mr Pitt said.
"There was no actual accident or safety risk to the travelling public, and the fail-safe system operated as it had been designed to do.
"These sort of operational teething issues occasionally occur in the early stages of commissioning a new and sophisticated road management system of the kind involved here.
“We have examined the fault that caused the shutdown and we are now reviewing the system to minimise the chances of this type of glitch happening again.
“The response also highlighted the need for motorists to follow the directions displayed on the variable message signs at entry points to the bypass.
"On a positive note, this morning's system operation shows that the Tugun Bypass is equipped to handle any incidents, with safety always being our number one priority.
"Our Gold Coast Traffic Management Centre responded quickly and reopened the southbound lanes at 11.10am."
To report an incident or to hear traffic updates, motorists can call 13 19 40 or log on to www.131940.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819