Roads - articles and discussion

[verbatim9]

4BC --- https://omny.fm/shows/4bc-drive/racq-voices-concerns-over-queenslands-future


Unfortunately, RACQ mentions we don't have time to build new transport infrastructure prior to the Olympics except for a few new bus corridors. He also mentions that people will be encouraged to stay home during the Olympics as a congestions fighting measure. This is a really sad outcome and a failure of the current Government, both at a Federal and State level.

[Jonno]

But freeway building continues at pace!!

[verbatim9]

RACQ --- Full Submission here

[ozbob]

https://x.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1712391814039376031?s=20

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

RACQ Transport Ideas Good First Step but Bolder SEQ Vision Needed

15th October 2023

RACQ's submission to the ShapingSEQ 2023 Update calling for public and active transport improvements (1) is a great first step but a far bolder Transport Vision is needed to see off the "LA-style congestion" present and future.

RAIL Back On Track  says the transport planning in SEQ needs a complete overhaul and a Transport Vision that will reverse the last 50 years of focusing on road building first and foremost.

RACQ's submission outlines a great "starting point" with a focus on mid-rise density or 'gentle density' and the extension of the Brisbane Metro network and introduction of the Metro Glider services but these need to be implemented immediately not in 10 years. It also talked of improving active transportation but again so much more can be done ... now.  There is nothing stopping the planning and consultation with the community on a redesigned bus network, fast tracking cycling and pedestrian infrastructure as well as changes to City Plans starting right now.

SEQ needs a bolder Transport Vision similar to Sydney's Metro and Light Rail networks with clear 'leading practice' mode share target of over 60% of trips by active/public transport.  The Metro Glider services above are the first step to establish the network, services and start passenger growth now. The routes can then be converted to real-Metro (aka Sydney Metro) and Light Rail lines over the next 10 years. Ironically this is exactly what LA did with its 30/10 plan. 30 years of public transport construction in 10 years.

This needs to be partnered with the urgent delivery of rail services and infrastructure so that all stations have a train every 15 minutes or better as well as the delivery on the rail lines identified in Connecting SEQ 2031 plan ... and more.

How will SEQ afford it? Easy. Simply stop investing in road projects to "bust congestion" when it has been known for 50 years that it just increases congestion ... leaving a bigger problem to fix and costing tax-payers more in transport and health subsidies.

SEQ has spent 50 years creating this mess but must turn it around in the next 10-15 years.

What could this network look like?  Maybe something like the networks below where walking, cycling, wheeling and catching public transport is peoples' 1st choice not last. The the transport plans and strategies to date have prioritised road building and look where that has got SEQ ... a public transport mode share that has decreased over the last 30 years.

SEQ 2032 - Bold Transport Vision - SEQ Rail and SEQ Metro



High resolution: SEQ 2032 - Bold Transport Vision - SEQ Rail and SEQ Metro

> https://www.flickr.com/photos/194479288@N08/53256219221/

High resolution: SEQ 2032 - Bold Transport Vision - SEQ Rail, Metro, Light Rail and BRT

> https://www.flickr.com/photos/194479288@N08/53256510773/


Reference:

1. ShapingSEQ lacks transport vision to combat population boom
https://www.racq.com.au/latest-news/news/2023/10/shapingseq-lacks-transport-vision-to-combat-population-boom

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

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

RACQ Transport Ideas Good First Step but Bolder SEQ Vision Needed 15th October 2023 RACQ's submission to the...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Saturday, 14 October 2023

[#Metro]

I think some of the PT discourse really could do with a big-picture, organising concept. I've been looking at things like the Mobility Pyramid https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/bike-friendly-communities/new-reverse-traffic-pyramid/

These pyramids generally don't unpack the Public Transport layer. So you can start to wonder what that would look like if one were to unpack it.

A message that needs to get out there is that we need to prioritise existing services on our existing infrastructure. The frequency mapping comparison of TransPerth Perth trains versus TransLink Queensland Rail trains makes this abundantly clear. There needs to be a cultural and mindset shift away from seeing high-cost, high-risk mega-projects as the sole way to improve PT effectively... so here is a concept based similarly to the 'Mobility Pyramid'.  This is what I came up with:

A Proposal: The Public Transport Priority Pyramid



 

[ozbob]

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1713661452995952721?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1713676605858734153?s=20

[#Metro]

And not a moment too soon... projects are being priced out of existence.

Brisbane City Council to slash spending by 10 per cent as cost hikes bite

The promises over future green bridge are in doubt as escalating increases in construction costs force Brisbane City Council to cut spending immediately by 10 per cent.

This development comes only three months after the council's 2023 Budget and in the lead-up to the March 2024 council elections.

Brisbane City Council to slash spending by 10 per cent as cost hikes bite
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/brisbane-city-council-to-slash-spending-by-10-per-cent-as-cost-hikes-bite-20231016-p5ecp6.html

Few options on the table now - more frequent buses and trains on the existing network. Might be a motivation to simplify the bus network and duplication.

Federal Government won't have money soon either - they have their own challenge paying off COVID debt, submarines, and the NDIS.

[verbatim9]

This just shows how out of touch the media is with transport infrastructure. Brisbane Times named the Moggill Road roundabout removal at Indooroopilly as the Milton Road roundabout upgrade 😂

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Major trucking companies look at congestion surcharge amid chronic gridlock $

Major trucking companies are examining a surcharge on transport costs to cover Queensland's chronic gridlock problem – which is only getting worse.

The move can be revealed as new data released to the ASX by Transurban showed traffic on major Brisbane roads is worse than ever before, and growing faster than any capital city. ...

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1715398625520677114?s=20

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament E-Petition

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=3973

VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE BETWEEN BELLBOWRIE AND RIVERHILLS

TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House travelling by car from the suburbs of Moggill and Bellbowrie to areas such as Oxley, Darra, Richlands and Wacol requires a long detour via Kenmore. Transportation costs are ever-increasing and this detour is unnecessary and unsustainable. In 2022, Moggill was cut off for a few days when the Moggill Creek flooded.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all within its power to gauge the support of residents of Moggill, Bellbowrie and nearby areas to the construction of a vehicle and pedestrian bridge between Bellbowrie and Riverhills.

[achiruel]

They were offered a green bridge and rejected it, so as far as I'm concerned, they can get lost. Building more car infrastructure isn't the panacea they seem to think.

I wouldn't object to the "green" bridge being open to vehicles in emergencies (e.g. flood) but not as a day-to-day thing.

[ozbob]

4BC Brisbane's west seeks traffic relief with proposed bridge

https://www.4bc.com.au/brisbanes-west-seeks-traffic-relief-with-proposed-bridge/

Residents in Brisbane's west have been experiencing frustration due to atrocious traffic between Centenary Highway and Moggill Road.

Now, a petition has been initiated to alleviate the congestion by proposing the construction of a vehicle and pedestrian bridge between Bellbowrie and Riverhills.

President of the Brisbane West Chapter of the Lions Club, John Williams, told Peter Gleeson on Drive, "...The experts are saying a traffic bridge would only make it worse...so what we need to do is find an efficient way to get people off the roads, if you build more roads, roads attract cars, and there in lies the problem..."

"...The real thing we need to have happen out here is we need our politicians to take the lead and actually get the job done in making sure the data is gathered so we can see where we are going..." Mr. Williams continued. ...

[#Metro]

Would Transurban/QIC be interested I wonder?? 

[ozbob]

https://x.com/BrentToderian/status/1719753518985457798?s=20

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Big highway projects test Brisbane's growing pains north and south

Brisbane's growing pains will see the Queensland government announce new multibillion-dollar links for the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway next week.

Three congestion-busting projects linked to the highway, motorway and Gympie Arterial Road have been under investigation. Every day about 160,000 vehicles travel between Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region and beyond. ...

[verbatim9]

They are really steaming ahead with the Coomera Connector, aren't they?

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSNf54BVJ/

[#Metro]

I cannot help but think this is all very Queensland specific. Perth seems to have no issue building long sections of rail quickly and cheaply.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Qld's worst roads revealed: Bruce Highway in 'appalling' state $

Almost half Queensland's Bruce Highway has a two-star safety rating or less, a secret audit of the state's roads has revealed, with sections in the state's regions having the bulk of the dangerous conditions.

It is revealed ahead of the release of the Federal Government's 90-day infrastructure review on Thursday, which is expected to include cuts and delays to Queensland road and rail projects.

The road safety data, provided to state governments by the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP), has been kept secret by all jurisdictions including Queensland.

But it has been revealed following a Right to Information search by former police officer and Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien who blasted the "appalling" condition of the roads that were revealed ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrades to cost half a billion more $

The state government has been forced to commit half a billion dollars to keep M1 upgrades on the southern Gold Coast on track after a major cost blowout.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey on Saturday said workers would have been stood down and work would have ground to a halt without the new funding commitment on the partially built Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade, which was originally due to cost $1 billion in total.

In a blistering media statement issued by Mr Bailey's office, the Federal government was blasted for "refusing to meet its fair share" of the extra costs, saying the Transport Department had sought $250 million from Canberra under a 50:50 funding split but had only been provided $70 million in extra funds across the entire M1 corridor. ...

Government Media Statement: Palaszczuk Government steps in to protect 300 Jobs on Varsity Lakes to Tugun M1 upgrade

> https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99184

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Bid to fix traffic bottleneck north of Brisbane may run out of money $

A looming showdown between the Palaszczuk government and its federal Labor colleagues will now include the fate of long-promised work to ease the traffic bottleneck between Brisbane and all areas north.

A series of major projects, including new bridges over the Pine River and feeder roads in surrounding suburbs, are intended to reduce delays and improve access to and from the Bruce Highway, Gympie Arterial Road and Gateway Motorway.

But before a sod has even been turned, a cost blowout and change to the federal government's funding formula means there is technically no financial agreement to complete the work. ...

[achiruel]

Oh well. Build the NWTC rail line instead! 

[#Metro]

Self-Driving Taxi
San Fransisco

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Qld to splash $107m on Inland Freight Route early works $

The state government will push ahead to spend $107m on early works to build the Inland Freight Route despite an escalating funding war with the federal government.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will on Tuesday reveal the government will maintain its commitment to the $1bn Inland Freight Route from Mungindi to Charters Towers – which she has dubbed a "second Bruce" Highway.

Ms Palaszczuk said the 1185km Inland Freight Route would establish a viable north-south alternative to the Bruce Highway and form a critical freight corridor.

Queensland will honour its 80:20 funding commitment to the project, with $200m allocated towards the $1bn total cost.

The state will start spending $107m to accelerate early works, a move expected to put pressure on the federal government, which this month revealed it would no longer provide 80 per cent of costs for major infrastructure projects. ...

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99247

Queensland Government kickstarts construction on Second Bruce

28th November 2023

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

. Palaszczuk Government kickstarts works on the Inland Freight Route, also known as the Second Bruce, through $107 million early works package.

. Package will include priority upgrades along the critical freight route, brought forward by accelerated Queensland funding.

. This lays the foundation for major works as part of the $1 billion Inland Freight Route.

The Palaszczuk Government is powering forward with its commitment to the Inland Freight Route by kickstarting the necessary early works now.

The 1185-kilometre Inland Freight Route will establish a viable north-south alternative to the Bruce Highway (known as the Second Bruce) forming a critical freight corridor between Mungindi and Charters Towers.

Queensland is honouring it's 80:20 commitment to the project, with $200 million allocated towards the critical project.

More than half of the State Government commitment is now on the table to accelerate early works delivery.

This is kickstarted by a $19.7 million bridge upgrade over the Dawson River, north of Injune, that will widen the existing bridge from 7.4 metres to 10.3 metres.

Works will also realign the bridge approaches to improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles. This is the first of two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston.

The $107 million early works package will focus on addressing constraints north of Injune, and constraints in the vicinity of Belyando, including:

. two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston on the Carnarvon Highway

. major culvert upgrades between Roma and Injune on the Carnarvon Highway

. two road strengthening and widening projects (in sections) between Clermont and Charters Towers on the Gregory Developmental Road in the vicinity of Belyando.

This builds on $109 million in jointly funded upgrades recently delivered on the Inland Freight Route and key feeder roads, as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance program and road economic stimulus packages.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

"Building the Second Bruce is essential as Queensland population continues to boom.

"It will provide an alternative route for truckies and keep communities connected during major flood events.

"Our government wants to see this critical freight corridor built, so we're honoring our commitment to this project and getting works started now.

"We are calling on the Federal Government to keep their commitment to the Inland Freight Route and honour the 80:20 agreed funding arrangement.

"It's only right that Queensland gets its fair share – no more, no less."

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"Bringing forward the Queensland portion of funding for the Inland Freight Route between Mundgindi and Charters Towers is vital.

"The Bruce Highway is the single most important highway in the country.

"By building a better Inland Freight Route targeted at taking trucks off the Bruce, we are ensuring strong supply chains and driving economic growth for regional industries and communities.

"Not only that, upgrades will improve connectivity and safety to help keep our state moving with a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway.

"Our vast state has the largest regional road network in the nation; any proposed changes from 80:20 funding to 50:50 will have a serious impact on our regional communities."

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://x.com/7NewsCairns/status/1729413603143692354?s=20

[verbatim9]

Re second Bruce.

They should be focusing on duplicating and realigning the rail track all the way to Bundaberg. This can speed up rail freight and make it competitive with road freight.

[JimmyP]

Agreed, that would definitely be a good start, but would need to keep going (at least with the realignments/upgrades) all the way up to Cairns I think.

[#Metro]

Jonno, you'll like this one.
New Transurban project opened in Sydney on the weekend.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Upgrading the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway on Brisbane's northern border will require the resumption of 45 properties and cost taxpayers billions of dollars. $

Upgrading the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway on Brisbane's northern border will require the resumption of 45 properties and cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

But amid an ongoing funding dispute with the Commonwealth, the Queensland government cannot say how much the projects will cost, other than revealing the estimated total has already surpassed the original estimate of $2.2 billion. ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Road to 'rorts': Voters' reality check for government $

More than three out of five voters in a key Queensland electorate believe governments use road funding promises to get a leg-up at elections rather than for the greater good of the community, polling has revealed.

The spot polling, in the federal seat of Moreton, also revealed less than one in five voters believed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had delivered on his promise to "end the rorts on road funding".

The nation's peak motoring body, the Australian Automobile Association, commissioned the polling as part of an ongoing push for the federal government to use upcoming transport funding negotiations to force jurisdictions to be more transparent about the state of our roads. ...

[#Metro]

Parts of Rozelle Interchange to be dug up aiming to improve travel times

25,423 views  Dec 6, 2023
It's only been open 11 days, but parts of the Rozelle Interchange are being dug up to help fix a frustrating chokepoint. But officials claim, even without the improvement, trip times have been improving each day.

7NEWS at 6pm. More local news: 7news.com.au/news/sydney

[#Metro]

The WestConnex Problem (Rozelle Interchange and Parramatta Road)

The WestConnex is one of Australia's biggest road transportation projects. It has been slowly opened over the past 5 years, with the final major piece of the project - the Rozelle Interchange - opening in November 2023. The opening has more or less been a disaster, with the Rozelle Interchange proving to be a poorly designed and very confusing interchange that most motorists seem to be confused by, and the poor design of merges causing nightmare-inducing levels of traffic. Furthermore, the WestConnex was once promised to revitalise and transform surface streets, in particular Parramatta Road. And yet, bold visions for the road are yet to materialise, with many slowly losing hope that they ever will. In this video, I'll explore both the Rozelle Interchange and Parramatta Road, and what the government can do to fix both of them.

[#Metro]

Angry drivers in Sydney's Inner West have met at a Town Hall meeting to share their ideas on fixing the traffic pain around the city's new Rozelle Interchange.

A senior transport bureaucrat addressed concerns from residents in Sydney's Balmain, who said their commutes have blown out by more than an hour-and-a-half for some motorists. 

A fiery town hall meeting has left locals even more unimpressed by the new Rozelle Tunnel after being told there was no end in sight for the traffic carnage that has occurred following its opening.

[verbatim9]

Unlike the Rozelle interchange issue which is still awaiting the completion of the Western Harbour tunnel to be fully effective, the Gympie road tunnel shouldn't have the same issues. This is because it will be fully connected to the underground freeway network once completed.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/fietsprofessor/status/1733441027493482718?s=20

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Travel time blow out: Dire predictions for M1 congestion hell $

Commuting on South East Queensland's major highways will blow out significantly in the coming years, with a 50 per cent jump in traffic expected to cause more commuter hell.

The drive from Brisbane's CBD to Surfers Paradise on the Pacific Motorway will blow out to 90 minutes and another major motorway will be clogged by a 50 per cent jump in traffic in the future.

Soaring interstate migration is being blamed for the commuter explosion as the government's forecast leap in population is predicted to further frustrate workers travelling to Brisbane from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich. ...