Published Tuesday, 04 September, 2018 at 07:24 AM
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey
Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road review complete
A review into Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road in Far North Queensland has found a variety of factors contributed to recent sealing issues including the makeup of the road surfacing material, atmospheric conditions, and traffic management.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the events that led to multiple vehicles being damaged were unacceptable, and he had given firm instruction to the Department of Transport and Main Roads that it could not happen again.
“As soon as I became aware of this matter I contacted my Director General,” Mr Bailey said.
“Now that we have this report showing what led to the issue, I don’t expect to see similar incidents around the state.
“A separate resealing issue that occurred near Marlborough on the Bruce Highway several weeks later remains under review, and it is still too early to say if the two conditions were comparable.”
Mr Bailey said the investigation was undertaken by an independent expert, in consultation with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and its contractor, COLAS.
“The report concludes the issue was caused by a number of different factors, including spray seal rates, spray seal mix, aggregate size, variable underlying surface texture and higher levels of moisture,” Mr Bailey said.
“The report also identified that the road was affected in-part due to traffic management during brooming of aggregate that had come loose.
“Traffic management on the day allowed south bound vehicles to stop on exposed binder where stripping of aggregate had occurred.
“During this time, vehicle tyres became stuck to the exposed binder and this contributed to the seal binder lifting.”
Mr Bailey said the design and application of road seals was a complex and technical process.
“TMR requires all seal designs to be undertaken by designers who have completed the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) Sprayed Sealing Selection and design course,” he said.
“The department works alongside AAPA and will look at the recommendations from the investigation through its existing strategic alliance.
“We have now developed and circulated additional guidance for immediate implementation to help manage seal risks.
“TMR will look closely at the recommendations and learnings from the independent report to determine what additional steps may be needed to ensure this does not happen again.
“Measures may include updating TMR’s specifications, increasing the use of crumb rubber (recycled tyres) in seals and introducing a registration or similar system for contractors.
“We may also conduct research into the risk associated with sealing in a range of challenging conditions with the Australian Road Research Board.”
TMR has been hosting detailed spray sealing workshops across Queensland, and are open to both departmental and external participants. To register, follow the link below.
Background:
- As of Monday 27 August, 51 claims had been returned to TMR from people seeking compensation for damage caused by tar on Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road.
- Of these 51 claims, 41 claims were assessed as payable with a further 10 claims being re-assessed based on additional information.
- As of the 27 August, one claim had been denied due to insufficient evidence provided.
- As of 27 August, 112 stone chip claims were submitted, with 97 assessed as payable and 15 denied.
ENDS
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