Roads - articles and discussion

[verbatim9]

Clem 7 Tunnel and Go Between Bridge free this weekend due to Captain Cook Bridge works. More here----- Brisbane Times

[verbatim9]

Big RIgs---How $301.25 million will change the Bruce Highway

Motorists have received a preview of the next major Sunshine Coast upgrade on the Bruce Highway at Forest Glen, with animated concepts showing how the upgraded highway interchanges at Maroochydore Road and Mons Road will work after a $301.25 million overhaul.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project was part of the $12.6 billion, 15-year Bruce Highway Upgrade Program - a pipeline of investment from the Australian and Queensland Governments.

"As part of our commitment to improving the safety, reliability and performance of our national highways, the Australian Government has committed $241 million to upgrade the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges," Mr McCormack said.

"Through this investment all Queenslanders, including Sunshine Coast motorists, can expect to see improvements in safety, efficiency and increased capacity along the Bruce Highway and at these two busy interchanges.

"John Holland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture has secured the construction contract and I look forward to seeing work on the ground beginning in coming weeks.

"This is a great example of how the Australian Government's $100 billion nationwide infrastructure investment is setting the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic."

[ozbob]

From https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2581994338797619

[verbatim9]

They really need to do something with the Coronation Drive and Hale Street intersection. I was crossing that road at 15:15 on a Green pedestrian light that was Green for at least 4 seconds. This car came racing through the red off Hale Street just missed me and side swiped two cars traveling inbound from Coronation Drive and sent them in a spin.

They need to slow the traffic approaching that intersection either -

With smart speed signs slowing the traffic down

With audible line makings slowing the traffic down prior to the intersection

Last resort a red light camera on both Coronation Drive and Hale street.

Sick of people speeding and running reds at intersections. I see it all the time.

Another bad one is North Quay and Herschel.

As well as Gregory Tce and Bowen Bridge Road.

Audible lines might be the best, because if drivers are distracted from the road It will alert them to pay attention, as well as make them slow down prior to the intersection.

[James]

They really need to do something with the Coronation Drive and Hale Street intersection. I was crossing that road at 15:15 on a Green pedestrian light that was Green for at least 4 seconds. This car came racing through the red off Hale Street just missed me and side swiped two cars traveling inbound from Coronation Drive and sent them in a spin.

They need to slow the traffic approaching that intersection either -

With smart speed signs slowing the traffic down

With audible line makings slowing the traffic down prior to the intersection

Last resort a red light camera on both Coronation Drive and Hale street.

Sick of people speeding and running reds at intersections. I see it all the time.

Another bad one is North Quay and Herschel.

As well as Gregory Tce and Bowen Bridge Road.

Audible lines might be the best, because if drivers are distracted from the road It will alert them to pay attention, as well as make them slow down prior to the intersection.

Just sounds like an idiot driver in my opinion. It's clear this driver was blatantly running a red light - not by 1-2 seconds, but by a solid 6+ seconds. Red light cameras are designed to stop people 'pushing the envelope' and trying to squeeze through on a red signal, which increases the risk of intersection crashes.

It wouldn't be an appropriate location for tactiles or traffic calming because of the nature of the road environment (major arterial to major arterial), and AFAIK this intersection already has an extended red signal phase because of how big it is.

In the end there's nothing better than active policing - often these people who run red lights like this are the same ones speeding at excess speed and weaving aggressively in traffic.

[red dragin]

If only they'd built the right hand turn underpass as originally planned, but canned due to the additional construction and inconvenience to motorists.

[verbatim9]

Couriermail.com.au Quest--- Consultation on the way to fix the notorious Mt Crosby Rd/Warrego Hwy intersection at Chuwar in Ipswich.

Chance to have your say on fixing horror westside road
The public is being asked for their views on an interchange to fix one of southeast's most dangerous black spots. Here's what the Government is planning to do.

After years of dithering, the State Government has opened public consultation on its preferred design for an interchange to fix the notorious Mt Crosby Rd/Warrego Hwy intersection at Chuwar in Ipswich.

Residents have until August 9 to air their views on the project, but some locals and a rail lobby group say the interchange is only a partial solution because there is no local public transport to take pressure of the area.

The interchange, which was floated three years ago, is designed to improve traffic flow and make the intersection safer.

At the moment stationary, queued vehicles on Mt Crosby Rd have to dodge huge B-double trucks travelling at 100km/h on the Warrego Hwy.

Chuwar local Sandra Clarke, who started a petition on the issue a year ago, said it was a matter of time before there was a fatality.

Karana Downs' Simone Karandrews said the concept plan was insufficient to cope with current demand, let alone the future needs of the western region including Ipswich.

"It also fails to factor in planned commercial and residential developments in the immediate area,'' Ms Karandrews said.

"This (lack of public transport) adds to the lack of co-ordinated effort by the State Government to address the needs of the western region transport woes.

"We have waited a very long time for community engagement to occur for the supposedly shovel ready interchange.''

Rail Back On Track lobby group spokesman Robert Dow said while there were no rail or bus services, road improvements should indirectly help the Flexilink Roam Zone D taxi service which covers parts of Karalee and Chuwar.

State LNP MP Christian Rowan, whose Moggill seat covers Mt Crosby, urged people to have their say.

He said a lot of westside commuters used the interchange when heading to Ipswich or accessing the Warrego Hwy.

"Now is the time to provide input into the planning being undertaken by the Department to upgrade this interchange to improve traffic flow and also address serious safety concerns,'' Dr Rowan said.

What is being planned

1. More capacity on the southern (North Tivoli) roundabout with an extra circulating lane.

2. A simplified northern (Chuwar) roundabout, including a slip lane for through traffic travelling north (from the Warrego Hwy to Karalee) and restricting access to/from Coal Rd.

3. A dedicated pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Warrego Hwy, west of the Mt Crosby Road overpass.

The Department of Main Roads and Transport said the interchange was identified as a priority project and formed part of a $400 million Warrego Hwy funding commitment from the state and federal governments.

"In July, 2017, we completed a planning study into the traffic congestion, safety and active transport issues at the Warrego Hwy and Mt Crosby Road interchange,'' DTMR said.

"The study identified an option to improve safety, reduce queuing along Mt Crosby Road and improve traffic at the Warrego Hwy/Mt Crosby Rd interchange.

"The proposed project design was based on the findings of the 2017 planning study and seeks to address the community's safety concerns and reduce congestion.''

How to have your say:

Due to COVID-19 rules, there will be no face-to-face public meetings. Instead, people can:

- complete the online survey

- email feedback to metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au

- phone the project team on 3066 4338 (during business hours)

- request a hard copy feedback form by phone or email and post to:

Department of Transport and Main Roads

Reply Paid 70

Spring Hill Qld 4004

Ms Karandrews stressed that while she was not a road planning expert, in her opinion duplification of north and southbound lanes was necessary between the three roundabouts.

"The westbound highway exit should be a sweeping underpass type like the exit westbound from the Warrego to the Brisbane Valley Hwy exit, and allow it a dedicated lane to flow to the northern route along Mt Crosby road,'' she said.

"This will cater for the increased traffic flow and will reduce traffic waiting like sitting ducks on a 100km roadway, and alleviate the delays from the Ipswich area heading north to the roundabouts.

"The previously touted Moggill Pocket Arterial/ Moggill-Warrego Hwy connection is another consideration as to a site for future connection with the Karalee region for access to and from the highway.''

What locals have said on Facebook

Belinda Owen

"You can have as many circulating lanes as you want, if they're still merging into single lanes on the bridge or further down the road it won't make a difference. The issue is the westbound cars from Brisbane going around the roundabout to double back over the freeway toward Karalee. This blocks the freeway, as well as traffic down Mount Crosby Rd. You need a second exit/entry point into the area — probably before this exit into Karalee/Barellan Point.

Victoria Hoffie

The bridge needs to be 4 lanes to increase flow.

Jason Da

The exit west bound should be (current exit to round about for businesses and Ipswich) and a 2nd one that goes under Mt Crosby Rd bridge and wrap around on to Mt Crosby Rd just before the bridge. But yes, the bridge needs more lanes.

The amount of times I've nearly been wiped out by trucks while I wait to exit ...

One time while I had my newborn baby with me I actually had to throw my vehicle to the left, on to the grass, to get off the road as a truck was coming at full speed and locking it up in a cloud of smoke.

Steve Franklin

Surely they will have a public meeting about this. I travel this route usually more than twice daily and rarely if ever see bikes or pedestrians. I understand the need to keep them safe but the congestion and ineptitude of people merging and using roundabouts incorrectly astounds me. This plan does nothing to get the queuing traffic east and westbound off the 100km/h lanes. It doesn't address the morning and afternoon traffic clogging either side of Mt Crosby road. We can't afford to have this work done and then find out it didn't work!

[verbatim9]

They should investigate a proper bus service to and from Karana Downs via Mt Crosby to the Ipswich Town Centre and Station.

The proposed active transport link in form of a shared path overpass sounds like its definitely needed.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> The 13 northwest Brisbane roads you hate the most

More than 3000 people have had their say on how to fix the appalling mess that is the road network in Brisbane's northwest.

And most say better public transport is the key, not new roads, despite a Brisbane City Council push to build a new North West Transport Corridor.

The route of any such corridor will not be known until Council has had a chance to assess the results of online and face-to-face surveys conducted between November last year and February.

The extensive public consultation also revealed 13 shocking arterial roads and what residents think can be done to improve them, from widening to removing on-street parking and coordinated traffic signals.

The roads were: Gympie; Enoggera; Hamilton; Kelvin Grove; Lutwyche; M5; Moggill; Old Northern; Rode; Samford; South Pine; Stafford; Waterworks.

A corridor "study area'' map was included in the report, covering Bald Hills, Fitzgibbon, Bridgeman Downs, Chermside and Toowong, but did not outline any specific preferred routes.

More than half (56 per cent) of the 1368 residents who responded to the council's online poll on the best way to improve transport in the northwest said they wanted better train and bus services.

Another 12 per cent said bicycle networks needed to be improved, but only 26 per cent said roads were the best way to fix the area's transport woes.

The results were even more overwhelming for face-to-face polls, with two-thirds of respondents calling for better public transport and 9 per cent better bike infrastructure.

Only 23 per cent wanted better roads.

"As part of (BCC's) commitment, late last year Council invited residents to share feedback about their travel behaviours and where transport services and infrastructure could be improved across Brisbane's north west,'' Council said.

"During the consultation from November 27 to February 7, more than 3400 items of feedback were received online, in person at 19 consultation sessions, or via email, phone or post.

"The valuable feedback received is helping to inform the north west transport network business case and guide the planning of future transport initiatives.

"Council looks forward to seeking additional community feedback in late 2020 as part of stage two of the business case development.''

The business case will be submitted to Federal Government funding body Infrastructure Australia by mid-2021.

Council hoped IA would include a north west corridor as one of the investment projects on IA's Infrastructure Priority List.

The online quick poll asked residents: "What is the most important way that transport in Brisbane's north west can be improved?"

Another 485 people made responses at 19 community consultation sessions.

The consultation process found just over half (55 per cent) of respondents used a car to move around during week days, with only 22 per cent catching a bus, 12 per cent taking trains and 8 per cent hopping on a bike.

More than one in four (28 per cent), or 469 respondents, said they were headed for the CBD and another 4 per cent who answered questions about their travel destination nominated the Valley.

Chermside (4 per cent), Herston (3 per cent) and South Brisbane (3 per cent) were the other top destinations.

[ozbob]

For NWTC see > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=722.msg238079#msg238079

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsToowoomba/status/1286879119267885056

[verbatim9]

Bruce Highway Maroochydore Road to Mons Road interchange visualisation

Nambour Connection Road travelling eastbound to the new Maroochydore Road interchange and continuing east towards Maroochydore.

[Jonno]

Bruce Highway Maroochydore Road to Mons Road interchange visualisation

Nambour Connection Road travelling eastbound to the new Maroochydore Road interchange and continuing east towards Maroochydore.

Seriously!!!! This I s just a waste of money whilst active and public transport languish in plans and ideas across the region!!

[verbatim9]

I guess it does help with bus priority having these new interchanges, but yes alot more money is spent on roads than Public Transport and Active Transport iniatives. It's because of Urban sprawl. I like to see further density in Australian Urban and Regional cities. This will encourage Active Transport as a mode as well as make Public Transport a cheaper and more viable option. Density and urban infill is starting to happen in Brisbane and Inner suburbs as well as some Regional cities as well.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> The Queensland roads in desperate need of upgrades

Six desperately needed Queensland major projects have been added to the national to-do list, including upgrades to killer regional highways, congestion-busting improvements for Brisbane's northern suburbs and a Sunshine Coast road so choked it is rated as suffering traffic overload on a national scale.

Along with removing highway black spots – 65 per cent of Queensland's road fatalities occurred outside major cities, Infrastructure Australia has added the Brisbane northern suburbs corridor, the Browns Plains to South East Busway initiative, improving the Queensland inland freight route, and increasing capacity and safety on the Browns Plains to Beaudesert and the Mooloolah River interchange on the Sunshine Coast.

Infrastructure Australia will release the full report today, for the first time updating it half way through the year as it tries to fast track big projects to create jobs and get the COVID economy moving.

Infrastructure Australia chief executive officer Romilly Madew, said the Priority List had been updated in order to showcase the extended pipeline of investment, now worth more than $64 billion.

"The Priority List is a critical tool in recovery, as it directs investment to the infrastructure projects that will kickstart economic growth and have the greatest returns for all Australians," she said.

Of the 245 lives lost on Queensland roads in 2018, over 65 per cent of the crashes occurred in areas outside of the major cities, it says.

The killer sections of narrow country highways make up just 3 per cent of the state-controlled road network by length but carry 20 per cent of vehicle kilometres travelled and 15 per cent of 'fatal and serious injury' crashes.

Options to make them safer include wider centre-lines, centre barriers and increasing shoulder widths and noisy line markings.

In Brisbane's north, the 60kmh and 70kmh Gympie Arterial Road crawls along at 36kmh in the morning peak and 32kmh in the evening peak and will only get worse without smarter intersections and better public transport, the report warns.

Remaining on the previous list, it says the M1 Motorway is one of the busiest roads in Australia. It already carries 150,000 vehicles a day, which the section between Eight Mile Plains and Tugun cannot handle.

As well as the Queensland initiatives, other new priorities were the Perth Metronet train system, the M12 Motorway in Sydney and also redeveloping the ageing Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Infrastructure Australia's sights turn to northern Brisbane

Tackling road congestion in Brisbane's northern suburbs is now officially a key priority in Infrastructure Australia's updated assessment of the nation's needs.

Several years ago, the Gold Coast's M1 was the road corridor in the spotlight, but that has priority has shifted as work is already under way.

On Wednesday, the federal government's infrastructure body will include studies to improve the road capacity in Brisbane's northern suburbs, as part of the national COVID-19 recovery, as a new "high priority".

Infrastructure Australia has released, for the first time, a midyear assessment of its priorities for infrastructure projects listed by the federal and state governments as Australia plans its recovery from COVID-19.

The Infrastructure Priority List identifies which projects will have the most immediate impact on communities.

The new IPL, which guides the timing of project business cases, includes six new Queensland high-priority and priority projects:

Brisbane northern suburbs corridor capacity
Browns Plains to South East Busway public transport connection
Queensland's inland freight route capacity and safety
Browns Plains to Beaudesert road capacity and safety
Mooloolah River Interchange capacity and safety
Queensland regional road network safety improvements

Plans to improve Brisbane's northern road network featured in last year's federal budget, when both major parties pledged money to upgrade key highways and intersections.

In November, preliminary details emerged of planning by the Queensland and the Australian governments around Strathpine to the west of the Bruce Highway and the Gympie Arterial Road.

The need to address Queensland's rising regional road accident problem was also noted.

Of the 245 lives lost on Queensland roads in 2018, more than 65 per cent of crashes were outside major cities, IA found.

Infrastructure Australia chief executive Romilly Madew said, overall, there was now a pipeline of projects with an estimated value of $64 billion,

"Australia is planning its recovery from a rolling series of crises: drought, flood, the bushfires and now COVID-19," she said.

"As we look forward, the focus is on delivery and as the nation's infrastructure advisory body, we are continuing to improve our ability to move quickly to identify investments that will improve productivity."

Ms Madew said south-east Queensland had "many safety and capacity constraints at the moment" however despite this all levels of government also recently delayed the finance-setting City Deal agreement for 12 months.

Infrastructure Australia's infrastructure team manger Robin Jackson said the Brisbane's northern suburbs early studies identified "serious problems".

He said some recent infrastructure audits had augmented work that had been forwarded by the Queensland government.

"It identifies that a lot of the arterial roads to the north of Brisbane are likely to face challenges over this period and those are quite severe," Mr Jackson said.

"That is why it is listed as a high priority. It includes a number of roads including the Gympie Arterial Road."

Ms Madew said the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project had been prioritised.

Several local councils - including near the flood-devastated Grantham - believe there are more negatives than positives to the $9.3 billion project and AgForce and the Port of Brisbane want a completed study to identify a freight link from Acacia Ridge to the Port of Brisbane to be released.

That route selection study is released before a business case can begin.

Ms Madew said Infrastructure Australia detailed investigation began when when a detailed business case was submitted to seek federal government funding.

On page 95 of this Infrastructure Australia report, solving the route from Acacia Ridge to the Port of Brisbane - added to the list in 2016 - is classed a "five to 10 year problem".

[verbatim9]

[verbatim9]

[Jonno]

Where were these published?

[verbatim9]

TMR YouTube Account

[verbatim9]

Queensland will be the first to trial a new car technology designed to help eliminate crashes. Connected cars link with infrastructure and operation systems to act as an extra pair of eyes on the road. Here's how it works. https://t.co/tIEQ9K5sus #7NEWS https://t.co/vioIlqCxl3

https://twitter.com/7NewsGoldCoast/status/1292329076540096512

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90828

Second M1 funding locked in as part of economic recovery to create jobs

Published 20th September 2020

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government's economic recovery plan will be significantly boosted with a $755 million commitment to build the 16-kilometre stage one of the Coomera Connector – popularly known as the 'second M1' – between Nerang and Coomera.

Funding for the second M1, which will support over 700 jobs, is the centrepiece of the Palaszczuk Government's $830 million Gold Coast roads infrastructure and jobs package that also includes funding to upgrade Exit 45 at Ormeau, the Coomera park 'n' ride and the Currumbin Creek Road/Bienvenue Street intersection.

Making the major announcement on the Gold Coast today, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said construction on the second M1 would start within 12 months.

"My government has always delivered for the Gold Coast and today we're adding to the pipeline of job-creating projects which will fix traffic bottlenecks and support growing communities," the Premier said.

"This is all part of Queensland's economic recovery plan to invest in major infrastructure projects and to create jobs to help steer us through these challenging times.

"More than 700 new jobs will be created as we build the second M1, adding to the 1600 jobs that will be supported by my government on the M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun and the light rail construction over the next few years."

The Premier said since elected, her government has delivered two major M1 upgrades between the Gold Coast and Brisbane and has two more under construction.

"We've also delivered stage two of Gold Coast Light Rail from the hospital to Helensvale, early works have started on the $709 million third stage to Burleigh and we've announced funding for a business case for stage four to the airport via Coolangatta," the Premier said.

"And we delivered the Exit 54 upgrade at Coomera, we're about to start work on several more M1 exit upgrades and we'll build three new Gold Coast trains stations as part of Cross River Rail."

Treasurer Cameron Dick said Queensland's strong borders had ensured that construction of major projects had not been significantly impacted through the pandemic.

"These projects are ready to go because we've worked hard to protect the health of Queenslanders," the Treasurer said.

"It's because we've managed the health response that we can focus on our economic recovery and keeping major projects and the state's economy moving ahead."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project would take up to 60,000 vehicles off the M1 at its busiest section around the Coomera River every day.

"Building the second M1 is not just about improving travel times and providing an important local connection road for residents and businesses on the northern Gold Coast, but it's also about busting congestion on the M1 itself," he said.

"Getting this project to construction stage has been our priority since being elected in 2015.

"It still astounds me that the LNP cut the second M1 out of future road planning documents and failed to spend a single new dollar on the M1.

"That one short-sighted decision set back progress on Gold Coast road upgrades for three years, as did the LNP's decision to cut $1.6 billion from Queensland's roads budget, including $100 million cut from Gold Coast road projects.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government restored funding after the LNP's cuts, preserved the road corridor, completed planning, finalised design and started the business case for the second M1.

"Today we've committed half of the funding to build stage one, with the other half expected to be covered by the Federal Government.

"Labor delivers for the Gold Coast, and I'm proud that the Palaszczuk Labor government is bringing the biggest ever road project in Gold Coast history to fruition – a mammoth $1.5 billion plan to build the first stage of the second M1.

"Contrast our record of strong delivery on Gold Coast roads and transport with an LNP record of deep cuts to the Gold Coast and billions of dollars in unfunded promises that will only be paid for by more LNP cutting, sacking and selling of assets."

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Gold Coast transport package demonstrated the Palaszczuk Government's vision for an infrastructure and jobs-led economic recovery.

"The Palaszczuk Government has clearly outlined its plans for future light rail and heavy rail connections to service the southern Gold Coast communities and the Gold Coast airport," Ms Scanlon said.

"Our government is partnering with the City of Gold Coast to look at more high frequency east-west services, including future east-west light rail and bus priority opportunities to connect to Metricon Stadium, and we're investing in better bikeways to support different ways to travel.

"Building the second M1 is the next major road priority, with construction of the $1 billion M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun well underway.

"The second M1 will start in my electorate and is a project I've pushed hard for on behalf of our community since I was elected.

"I'm proud to be part of a Labor government that has and backed investments in road and rail projects that are transforming our city and delivering what we need on the Gold Coast."

Gold Coast Transport Plan – Fast Facts

$755 million to build stage one of the Coomera Connector (Second M1) between Nerang and Coomera. $1.5B total to be funded 50/50 with the Federal Government. Construction can start by mid-2021, supporting more than 700 jobs as soon as Federal Government funding is confirmed
$35 million in capital works for Gold Coast Waterways, including $5.5 million for seaway dredging, supporting 9 jobs and more tourism opportunities
$11.5 million toward improved Oceanway bike paths in Burleigh and Currumbin
$10 million for an upgrade to Exit 45 at Ormeau. $20 million total to be funded 50/50 with the Federal Government, supporting 30 jobs
$8.5 million for the Coomera Park 'n' Ride, with additional funding from the Federal Government
$6.5 million to build a new southern entryway to the Gold Coast Airport jointly with the airport and New South Wales government
$3.5 million committed to Stage 4 light rail business case and an east-west transport corridors study to look at connecting Metricon Stadium and Nerang, as well as Robina, to high-frequency bus services and potential future light rail spur line joint with Gold Coast Council
$2 million for upgrading the Currumbin Creek Road and Bienvenue Drive intersection. $4M total 50/50 with the Federal Government, supporting 10 jobs.

ENDS

[Jonno]

Sigh!!! 1970's thinking!!!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Coomera Connector Out of Touch with modern Transport Planning

20th September 2020

RAIL Back on Track again highlights that the funding for the Coomera Connector announced by the Premier this morning is out of touch with modern transport planning.  Research has shown since the 1970's that widening freeways only increases congestion and forces more and more people to drive (1).  With every trip by car that should be by active or public transport (upward of 60% of trips) costing a minimum of 6 times more in tax payer subsidies (2) year in year out, it is simply unaffordable in our COVID-19 world.  The health impacts (3,4) and damaging effects on our cities (5) are well known. COVID-19 has shown cities around the world the benefits of less cars on the road and we do not have to return to normal if we prioritise walking, cycling, public transport and freight before more freeways. (6)  The American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials also found that greenway, sidewalks and bicycle facilities generated almost 40% more jobs that widening roads(7).

RAIL Back on Track calls on the Premier to listen to the science on transport planning like she is on COVID-19 and review the transport investment in more freeways and road widenings with a view to redirect the spending towards active and public transport across the State including the recently announced Fast Rail Network.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

1. https://ggwash.org/view/73161/freeway-widening-was-a-bad-idea-in-1969-and-its-a-bad-idea-now?
2. https://thediscourse.ca/scarborough/full-cost-commute
3. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/health-risks-for-those-living-within-500m-of-main-roads-20100619-yo2h.html
4. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/25/living-near-busy-road-stunts-childrens-lung-growth-study-says
5. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Increasing-density-in-Australia-Evidence-Review-2012.pdf
6. https://denver.streetsblog.org/2017/02/09/brent-toderian-dont-balance-modes-prioritize-walking-biking-and-transit/
7. https://smartgrowth.org/pedaling-through-pandemic-how-e-cycling-can-keep-post-covid-cities-moving/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1307528123878002691

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1307492916953186304

^

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TomaszAndraszek/status/1307538445254799360

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

21st September 2020

Confirmation Coomera Connector Out of Touch with modern Transport Planning

Good Morning,

The Couriermail has published results of their Sentiment Survey today at
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-election-2020/sentiment-survey-queenslanders-have-their-say/news-story/b47110a7e6cdf2dc1f28c92da2660b5f

Interesting to note that rail is much more favoured than roads, particularly the Coomera Connector.  Survey respondents 8035.



Food for thought!

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

Coomera Connector Out of Touch with modern Transport Planning

20th September 2020

RAIL Back on Track again highlights that the funding for the Coomera Connector announced by the Premier this morning is out of touch with modern transport planning.  Research has shown since the 1970's that widening freeways only increases congestion and forces more and more people to drive (1).  With every trip by car that should be by active or public transport (upward of 60% of trips) costing a minimum of 6 times more in tax payer subsidies (2) year in year out, it is simply unaffordable in our COVID-19 world.  The health impacts (3,4) and damaging effects on our cities (5) are well known. COVID-19 has shown cities around the world the benefits of less cars on the road and we do not have to return to normal if we prioritise walking, cycling, public transport and freight before more freeways. (6)  The American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials also found that greenway, sidewalks and bicycle facilities generated almost 40% more jobs that widening roads(7).

RAIL Back on Track calls on the Premier to listen to the science on transport planning like she is on COVID-19 and review the transport investment in more freeways and road widenings with a view to redirect the spending towards active and public transport across the State including the recently announced Fast Rail Network.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

1. https://ggwash.org/view/73161/freeway-widening-was-a-bad-idea-in-1969-and-its-a-bad-idea-now?
2. https://thediscourse.ca/scarborough/full-cost-commute
3. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/health-risks-for-those-living-within-500m-of-main-roads-20100619-yo2h.html
4. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/25/living-near-busy-road-stunts-childrens-lung-growth-study-says
5. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Increasing-density-in-Australia-Evidence-Review-2012.pdf
6. https://denver.streetsblog.org/2017/02/09/brent-toderian-dont-balance-modes-prioritize-walking-biking-and-transit/
7. https://smartgrowth.org/pedaling-through-pandemic-how-e-cycling-can-keep-post-covid-cities-moving/

[verbatim9]

I am in favour of good arterial roads for the future. But with the amount of money being spent on the road corridor to the Gold Coast, it's time for rail to have a share to bring about some kind of competitive transport balance.

An improved fast rail corridor from Coopers Plains to the Gold Coast would be less controversial with less land resumption and lower associated cost and pollution to the community.

Same goes with the corridor to Toowoomba and Beerwah/Maroochydore.

[Cazza]

[verbatim9]

Yep have seen this floating around the web. Does anyone really think this will be adopted and used in road and street building in Australia?  I reckon it's decades away if not more? They struggle in Queensland with concrete bases prior to pouring bitumen on top.

[James]

The 'plastic roads' idea has been floating around for a few years now.

There is still a lot of concern around roads with plastic introduced releasing harmful chemicals, either during construction or during operations. For example, from: https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2019/10/28/precaution-needed-when-recycling-plastics-into-roads/

Christina Chin, Principal Consultant & State Manager (Victoria), Level 5 Design, and principal report author, said this means there are concerns about hazards road workers could be exposed to while handling recycled plastics.

"Some plastics, when heated, release toxic emissions such as chloride, formaldehyde, toluene and ethylbenzene. Another major concern is microplastics leaching out from our pavements into waterways, posing a serious threat to our marine life," Ms Chin said.

While I think the technology shows promise, I see the uptake being slow. It will probably end up being used more so on low-use roads where any repair / replacement / damage from environmental issues is lower than say, the M1.

The 'modular' plastic road is even further away for this reason. There are a lot more issues with the pure plastic road, particularly if exposed to high temperatures.

[verbatim9]

A dangerous Indooroopilly roundabout will be replaced with an overpass and traffic lights in a $126 million plan to improve safety. https://t.co/VZ3A1cpmr5 #7NEWS https://t.co/3WxRXj1iIO

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1319565477039927301

[red dragin]

What's that, plan number 5 or 6 now for that intersection?

[verbatim9]

The Indooroopilly Roundabout upgrade is one step closer with the business case today revealing the benefits. Thank you to the @ausgov for supporting this important upgrade   https://t.co/r750J5NK4C https://t.co/0IGmMCUe8G

https://twitter.com/team_schrinner/status/1318396886248648705

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade opens a year late but under budget

One of Brisbane's most notorious road upgrades has concluded, with the $650 million Kingsford Smith Drive formally reopening on Tuesday morning.

But Labor councillors have questioned lord mayor Adrian Schrinner's claim the project, a year delayed because of geotechnical issues, has come in $15 million under budget.

First announced in 2013, the Kingsford Smith Drive project was expected to be finished in 2019, widening the busy road to six lanes to accommodate its 70,000 vehicles daily.

Cr Schrinner on Tuesday said the savings would be issued back to residents as a rates rebate.

In February 2019, then-lord mayor Graham Quirk said the council expected "very little" contingency on the massive project to be recouped.

Construction company Lendlease, contracted for the road upgrade, reported a $47 million cost blowout to the project that month as a result of unexpected riverside problems.

The additional cost of the road-widening project was borne by Lendlease, council said at the time.

Cr Schrinner on Tuesday said the road was the biggest road project in the city's history, and now provided upgraded parkland, bikeways and a tree-lined boulevard into the city.

"This road is an engineering marvel that's employed over 5000 people who have undertaken more than 4.1 million hours of work over the course of the project," he said.

"It's a gateway to the city from Brisbane Airport, the TradeCoast and the Sunshine Coast which has now been widened from four to six lanes, including two built out over the river, intersection upgrades and changes to boost safety for all road users.

"It will be a tree-lined boulevard that greets visitors as a grand entrance to our beautiful city."

Cr Schrinner said the cost savings would be issued as a rates rebate of nearly $30 a ratepayer, extending the six-month rates freeze announced in June for another quarter.

But opposition leader Jared Cassidy said the $15 million in savings was "just $15 million left over from the tens of millions put aside in contingency money".

"What Schrinner isn't telling you is in that same rates bill he's planning a massive rates hike. He's also planning a second rates hike for the back half of 2021."

Cr Cassidy said the rebate was a "small consolation prize" for struggling families, and local businesses had been struggling for years as Kingsford Smith Drive's upgrade dragged on.

Road speed limits will increase from 40km/h to 60km/h as traffic returns to normal.

[achiruel]

The fact the extra lanes on KSD aren't bus lanes is a disgrace.

[verbatim9]

The fact the extra lanes on KSD aren't bus lanes is a disgrace.

Despite no bus lanes at least buses won't be delayed due to previously being stuck in traffic along that section.

[Cazza]

That's not quite how road widening works.

(Heads up, F Bomb dropped once early in the video).

Trying to cure traffic congestion by adding more capacity is like trying to cure obesity by loosening your belt...

[achiruel]

The fact the extra lanes on KSD aren't bus lanes is a disgrace.

Despite no bus lanes at least buses won't be delayed due to previously being stuck in traffic along that section.

For a couple of years, maybe. Then it'll be back to business as usual. I reckon it'd be great to have a 305 BUZ/300 with bus lanes along KSD, pax could watch all the stopped traffic while the bus overtakes.