Published Tuesday, 03 February, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Community urged to drive with extreme caution in wet weather
North Queensland motorists are being urged to use extreme caution when driving on the roads due to widespread damage caused by the ongoing heavy rain and flooding.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the safety of road users and roadworkers was the department’s number one priority.
“Motorists are advised that some roads may be completely inundated or washed away while others have pot holes, silt build-up and/or may be blocked due to landslide or debris,” Mr Pitt said.
“Roads, causeways, bridges and pedestrian accesses experiencing any of these conditions should not be crossed under any circumstances.
“Floodways can rise quickly and unexpectedly so I am urging road users to keep aware of the surroundings and drive to conditions.
“Along with road signage, Main Roads will ensure the public is aware of changed road conditions by providing local media with regular reports and updating the department’s website with all the current information.”
Mr Pitt said Main Roads had procedures in place to respond to all emergencies on the road network, with priority given to the most urgent incidents.
“Main Roads will have both maintenance crews and construction crews – a total of about 40 staff – out and about undertaking emergency repairs on damage such as potholes,” he said.
“Councils will also have staff out on the roads assessing damage and undertaking emergency repairs, once the wet weather ends, bringing the total road repair workforce in the north to more than 100 workers.
“Council work crews will also undertake emergency repairs on state-controlled roads, as part of their work contracts with Main Roads. This will help ensure that the major roads that link cities and towns are reopened and repaired as quickly as possible.
“We’d like to thank communities for their ongoing patience as it may take some time before safe access can be returned to certain roads.
“Our aim is to minimise community disruption and maintain road access to essential services, especially for the more remote Queensland communities.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the safety of road users and roadworkers was the department’s number one priority.
“Motorists are advised that some roads may be completely inundated or washed away while others have pot holes, silt build-up and/or may be blocked due to landslide or debris,” Mr Pitt said.
“Roads, causeways, bridges and pedestrian accesses experiencing any of these conditions should not be crossed under any circumstances.
“Floodways can rise quickly and unexpectedly so I am urging road users to keep aware of the surroundings and drive to conditions.
“Along with road signage, Main Roads will ensure the public is aware of changed road conditions by providing local media with regular reports and updating the department’s website with all the current information.”
Mr Pitt said Main Roads had procedures in place to respond to all emergencies on the road network, with priority given to the most urgent incidents.
“Main Roads will have both maintenance crews and construction crews – a total of about 40 staff – out and about undertaking emergency repairs on damage such as potholes,” he said.
“Councils will also have staff out on the roads assessing damage and undertaking emergency repairs, once the wet weather ends, bringing the total road repair workforce in the north to more than 100 workers.
“Council work crews will also undertake emergency repairs on state-controlled roads, as part of their work contracts with Main Roads. This will help ensure that the major roads that link cities and towns are reopened and repaired as quickly as possible.
“We’d like to thank communities for their ongoing patience as it may take some time before safe access can be returned to certain roads.
“Our aim is to minimise community disruption and maintain road access to essential services, especially for the more remote Queensland communities.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819