28 Feb 2010: Brisbane: Clem7 Tunnel near completion ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 28 February 2010

Brisbane:  Clem7 Tunnel near completion, opportunities or restrictions?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said the Clem7 tunnel is a fine example of civil engineering, but unless further actions are taken is unlikely to be long term congestion buster.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Clem7 tunnel is forecast to reduce traffic on road bottle necks in Brisbane.  This presents an opportunity to improve public transport access.  For example a dedicated bus lane could be set up on the Riverside Express way to provide better access to the CBD for priority vehicles and buses. Bus lanes could be put back on Coronation Drive."

"Of concern to our members and the wider community though is the question that is the Clem7 tunnel and other planned toll roads and road tunnels going to put pressure on Governments not to improve public transport?  Are there any hidden clauses in construction and operation contracts that restrict parallel sustainable transport improvements as these may reduce numbers using these toll roads?  Have Governments and Councils put at risk proper transport development for short term political gains?  These are fair questions, and we would like answers and assurances."

"Brisbane continues to disappear down a car centric whirlpool of road congestion and mayhem.  The Clem7 tunnel certainly has highlighted the lack of action by governments concerning the long mooted rail tunnel, a critical infrastructure improvement that should have been in place twenty years ago (1)."

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3490.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Concerns on future public transport development is well placed.  What sort of guarantees have been given to the Clem7 operators?  All the more poignant when you consider the article in Melbourne on the railway line to the Melbourne Airport and the lack there of (see --> here!)

[Jon Bryant]

If the Clem 7 reduces traffic on our roads it will truely be a world first....but Clem Jones wanted every man to drive a car and his dream is coming true because there is little choice not too in most parts of our city.

[O_128]

One of my friends this morning actually said i dont need a car as the public transport in Brisbane is so good . Coming from a person who has driven there entire life and hardly ever uses PT