Roads - articles and discussion

[ozbob]

165,000 vehicles per day for Airport Link?

Someone at BrisConnections needs to lay off the wacky weed 

Kind of crazy ...

60secs x 60 minutes x 24 hours = 86,400 seconds

therefore 165000/86400 = approx 2 cars per sec, every second for every 24 hours ...   

[#Metro]

Sounds a lot like this --->

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emperor%27s_New_Clothes

There's obviously NO clothes, but everyone lives in denial... sounds a lot like this situation. "Our tunnel is different". Er, no it's not and it's even physically connected to the Clem 7!!

It is MATHEMATICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for this tunnel to reach this traffic volume. I don't care what anyone says. It is forecast to carry the entire train network and more than the busway. THIS IS CRAZY!!

[somebody]

165,000 vehicles per day for Airport Link?

Someone at BrisConnections needs to lay off the wacky weed 

Kind of crazy ...

60secs x 60 minutes x 24 hours = 86,400 seconds

therefore 165000/86400 = approx 2 cars per sec, every second for every 24 hours ...   

Per lane that comes out as 1 car every 3 seconds, but still, given a 2 second separation it seems somewhat fanciful.  Perhaps they are expecting Toombul exits+Toombul entries to balance out and increase capacity.

[Fares_Fair]

... in each direction would double the timing/spacing.

[ozbob]

No one really believes, it.  Poll at Brisbanetimes

==============================

Poll: Will 165,000 vehicles use the Airport Link tunnel every day?

Yes   7%
No  93%

Total votes: 1542.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/165000-tell-em-theyre-dreaming-20120629-2163u.html#poll

[Fares_Fair]

I see a 'John F' has left some comments ...
could it be?

No mention of Geebung tunnels however.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Abbott pledges to fund roads, repeal carbon tax

... "Almost nothing signifies progress more than new roads." ...

[curator49]

Unfortunately, none of our politicians "get it". The people want roads? We will spend billions building them. I cringed at Abott's speech and especially the quote "Almost nothing signifies progress more than new roads". Pathetic.

The Australian persona is built around the holy private car. Build roads, fill them up with more cars so build more roads and more cars will come. There is absolutely no thought for future generations and decent public transport.

[achiruel]

Or the freight task for that matter.  When will some serious money (i.e. $1bn+) be invested by the Feds in the Bris-Syd-Melb freight network?

[Golliwog]

ABC News --> Abbott pledges to fund roads, repeal carbon tax

... "Almost nothing signifies progress more than new roads." ...

I read that part of his speech and cringed.

For a bit of context for everyone: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/opposition-leader-tony-abbotts-speech-to-the-federal-council-of-the-liberal-party-20120630-2195j.html#ixzz1zHEr81Rm

After discussions with Infrastructure Australia and state governments, I can announce that the Coalition will commit $1.5 billion to the East-West Link road tunnel in Melbourne, $1.5 billion to the M4 East in Sydney, and $1 billion to the Gateway Motorway upgrade in Brisbane.

Commonwealth funding at this level should enable these projects swiftly to proceed in conjunction with state and private funding. These commitments will largely be met from within the Nation Building programme and supplemented by responsible savings.

We will work with the states and the private sector to ensure that these projects have started to go ahead within 12 months of the next federal election because the Australian people need to know that our great cities are not at risk of gridlock.

Our big cities are no less vital to our economy than our vast resource developments and can properly be considered part of our national economic infrastructure.

Almost nothing builds confidence more than seeing cranes over our cities and almost nothing signifies progress more than new roads.

[SurfRail]

^ To be fair, he didn't say in which direction the progress was headed.

[Fares_Fair]

ABC News --> Abbott pledges to fund roads, repeal carbon tax

... "Almost nothing signifies progress more than new roads." ...

I read that part of his speech and cringed.

For a bit of context for everyone: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/opposition-leader-tony-abbotts-speech-to-the-federal-council-of-the-liberal-party-20120630-2195j.html#ixzz1zHEr81Rm

After discussions with Infrastructure Australia and state governments, I can announce that the Coalition will commit $1.5 billion to the East-West Link road tunnel in Melbourne, $1.5 billion to the M4 East in Sydney, and $1 billion to the Gateway Motorway upgrade in Brisbane.

Commonwealth funding at this level should enable these projects swiftly to proceed in conjunction with state and private funding. These commitments will largely be met from within the Nation Building programme and supplemented by responsible savings.

We will work with the states and the private sector to ensure that these projects have started to go ahead within 12 months of the next federal election because the Australian people need to know that our great cities are not at risk of gridlock.

Our big cities are no less vital to our economy than our vast resource developments and can properly be considered part of our national economic infrastructure.

Almost nothing builds confidence more than seeing cranes over our cities and almost nothing signifies progress more than new roads.

except perhaps, new railroads!
Construction costs are cheaper than highways, and can move many more people, more safely, more often.

[Stillwater]

A billion dollars for the Gateway Motorway?  Is that the billion dollars the state government wants the feds to spend on the Bruce Highway, to match its pledge of $1 billion over five years?  The federal Coalition wants to repeal the carbon tax, yet keep in place all the new benefits and initiatives it is supposed to fund.

Does Big Tony intend that the Coalition in government buy the Fairfax printing presses, soon to be sold, and use them to print lots of new $100 notes?  That would bring down the exchange rate with the US dollar.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st July 2012

Where investment is needed too Mr Abbott

Greetings,

It is so sad to see short term populist political expediency again attempting to trump  a sustainable transport for  future generations and proper nation building.

In a very base attempt to shore up political support Mr Abbott yesterday promised major road funding initiatives in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.  ABC News --> http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-30/abbott-pledges-to-fund-roads-repeal-carbon-tax/4102374

The reality is that the Australian community wants investment in public transport prioritised over roads in the capitals (For example see -->  http://www.theage.com.au/national/fix-public-transport-brumby-urged-20081124-6g4q.html )

Looming transport failure is not going to be solved by more roads.  A functioning economy needs a functioning transport system. This is the lesson that most jurisdictions have already learned.

Will the real leader please stand up?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[WTN]

I find this shocking as well.

If Mr Abbott wants more roads then he should consider where those extra cars will go and what effects they will have on the community. Do we seriously want:
-More pollution (noise and air)
-More congestion
-More accidents
-More ugly carparks
-Existing buildings and houses along existing roads knocked down to make roads bigger to fit more cars
-Narrowing/removal of footpaths and cycle lanes to fit more cars
-Walking/cycling alongside public roads discouraged or made illegal because its too dangerous

If public transport was shut down entirely for even a day, any city will be in total gridlock. If it was shut down for an entire month, it'd be unlikely the road system will "sort itself out".

[Jonno]

Unfortunately most of our politicians think Progress and a Modern Society is defined as

-More pollution (noise and air)
-More congestion
-More accidents
-More ugly carparks
-Existing buildings and houses along existing roads knocked down to make roads bigger to fit more cars
-Narrowing/removal of footpaths and cycle lanes to fit more cars
-Walking/cycling alongside public roads discouraged or made illegal because its too dangerous

[WTN]

Haha, if that really is true then why haven't they permanently scrapped all that sluggish public transport, ripped up all the ancient railways, demolished useless bikeways, replaced space-wasting footpaths/malls with car lanes, turned every park into a carpark and banned walking and cycling altogether? Given the mode share of the car is nearly 90%, why not make the car the one and only mode with no other choice? No more walking to visit the neighbours, no more pesky pedestrians walking down city streets or the Queen Street Mall, no more pedestrian crossings, no more eyesore footbridges, no more traffic blocking lycra-clad cyclists, no more bargy buses to give way to, just drive and park everywhere. If there's not enough room for cars, just demolish someone's buildings or tarmac over some green space. We won't need them, but we need more bitumen. Use up 100% of land if need be. Let's make LA insignificant and become a 100% car city.

(Yes, I'm being sarcastic).

[HappyTrainGuy]

It would explain the infrastructure and organisation on the northside though. Pathways that can be used as skate ramps (Check out the pedestrian bridges between Bald Hills-Strathpine. Its tricky just walking over them let alone riding a bike over the multiple bits of temp plywood haha). Pathways that suddenly end for no apparent reason. Roads that have bus stops that don't have bus routes. Trips that are 15 mins max with a car take 45-150 minutes with multiple transfers between different modes that cost more because of the everything must go to the city mentality. Journeys that go through multiple zones when they shouldn't. Hourly frequencies that have nice scenic tours. Bus routes that won't take you to where you want to go depending on the time. Bike lanes with potholes bigger than the bike painting telling you its a bike lane. Apparently there are some bike lanes that cars can legally park in...

(No, I'm not being sarcastic )

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Flegg warns there is no quick fix on outer westside traffic troubles

Flegg warns there is no quick fix on outer westside traffic troubles

    by: Jonathon Howard, Westside News
    From: Quest Newspapers
    July 04, 2012 12:00AM

State Member for Moggill Bruce Flegg said the wheels were in motion to fix some of the area's worst traffic problems but it would take time to find the right solutions.

Dr Flegg said he was working with Transport Minister Scott Emerson on traffic congestion on Moggill Rd and the frequent flood closures to Colleges Crossing.

"These are both very substantial issues and it is important that we take the time and put in the effort to get the solutions right," Dr Flegg said.

"I have also provided Mr Emerson with information on other areas that I am greatly concerned about, such as the blackspot at Grandview Rd and the lack of a U-turn at the Birkin Rd traffic lights."

Dr Flegg will meet the Minister to discuss the issues on July 10.

"As an essential first step in getting action on the Kenmore Bypass, I have also called on the Transport Minister to release the results of the 2009 community consultation," he said.

Dr Flegg said he had also sought to address rising student numbers at Kenmore State High School before Year 7s shift to high school in 2015.

He said he had written to Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek and invited him to hear first-hand how important this was to the local community.

"I have invited the Education Minister to come out and inspect the school and hear first-hand just how important this is to the local community," he said.

A date for Mr Langbroek's inspection of the school is yet to be announced.

Indooroopilly electorate

State Member for Indooroopilly and Transport Minister Scott Emerson has ruled out plans to build a park 'n' ride at Indooroopilly train station, despite a commitment to solve the parking headache.

Mr Emerson said it would be "very expensive" to retro-fit a park 'n' ride at Indooroopilly and said the issue should have been resolved by the former government.

He said the previous ALP government had spent $27 million upgrading the Indooroopilly station, but "omitted to include park 'n' ride spaces".

However, Mr Emerson has taken steps to remove a previous ALP government ban on park 'n' rides within 10km of the CBD.

"As promised, I have scrapped Labor's policy and we will make decisions based on common sense, such as a new 300-space park 'n' ride at Carindale which is well within the 10km zone and makes use of an existing vacant lot," he said.

Mr Emerson said key areas he had worked on since taking office included a freeze on family vehicle registration fees for the next three years and free go card travel after nine journeys.

Mt Coot-tha electorate

Meanwhile, State Member for Mt Coot-tha Saxon Rice says she has begun consultation on equipping her electorate's three state schools with flashing school-zone safety lights.

She said funding for the project would be contained in the State Budget, due in September.

Ms Rice said the Budget was also set to allocate $300,000 for beautification projects around Rosalie and Park Rd in Milton.

... State Member for Indooroopilly and Transport Minister Scott Emerson has ruled out plans to build a park 'n' ride at Indooroopilly train station, despite a commitment to solve the parking headache. Mr Emerson said it would be "very expensive" to retro-fit a park 'n' ride at Indooroopilly and said the issue should have been resolved by the former government.

He said the previous ALP government had spent $27 million upgrading the Indooroopilly station, but "omitted to include park 'n' ride spaces".
...

A little win there for commonsense, but Minister it wasn't including park n' ride that was the blunder it was the lack of a proper bus interchange ..

[Golliwog]

I went down to the Samford-Wardell St intersection after being told by my local member at the CRG that there was to be an information session being held by Campbell Newman this morning. Ended up being a fairly unproductive use of my time, I raised the issue of bike lanes being included, but only at the intersections and not between them and asked for the reasoning behind it. The response was that it was purely a cost thing "Have you heard how bad the states finances are?"

Even when I pointed out that as a safety feature, these will be requried in the future to seperate cyclists and cars and that coming back later to put them in will cost more all up than it would to just do it now as part of this upgrade, the idea was still rejected. As far as I could see there weren't actually any TMR people at the session anyway, just Mr Newman, Mr Shuttleworth and I think the member for Everton might have also been there, along with some of their helpers.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Premier Campbell Newman queried over $65m Enoggera intersection upgrade plans

Premier Campbell Newman queried over $65m Enoggera intersection upgrade plans

    by: Allira Preece
    From: Quest Newspapers
    July 07, 2012 1:10PM

Premier Campbell Newman met with more then 30 residents today to gain feedback on his $65 million plans to upgrade two intersections at Enoggera.

The State Government announced plans to upgrade the Samford Rd intersections of Imbros St and Wardell St in June to ease traffic congestion in the suburb.

But there has been a mixed reaction from the community who had many questions on how plans will impact their streets.

Ardentallen residents were out in full force, calling on the State Government to acknowledge concerns of rat running in their street.

Resident of 40 years Neville Dance said he supported the proposal but still had questions to be answered.

"The last few years the traffic here has got extremely bad," he said.

"The blocking of Norman Tce is going to make it worse for us in Ardentallen Rd.

Ashgrove residents Julie Tancred and Lorraine Jones supported the plan.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
12/07/2012

Riverside Expressway's maintenance trial

Motorist could experience delays when a section of Brisbane's Riverside Expressway is jacked up this weekend in a trial run for a major maintenance program.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said the maintenance work on the 40-year-old motorway, which carries more than 100,000 vehicles on an average workday, would ensure it continued to remain a safe lifeline for the city for decades to come.

"During the works, a section of the expressway will be lifted about 250mm using a set of hydraulic jacks placed under the deck," Mr Emerson said.

"The trial lift will be conducted on one southbound span near the Margaret St off-ramp to test the system.

"If successful, the process will be completed the following weekend when a set of pot bearings located under the deck will be replaced by new 60kg stainless steel pot bearings.

"A pot bearing plays a crucial role, supporting the weight of the bridge deck and allowing movement in response to changing temperatures and different loads.

"The original pot bearings, which were identified during an inspection nine years ago, will be examined.

"Depending on the results, hundreds of pot bearings may need to be replaced on up to 28 spans in stages over about two years.

"There will be some diversions in place for southbound traffic over the next two weekends."

This weekend the lift will take place from 10.30pm, Friday July 13 until 4pm, Saturday July 14.

Similar to other maintenance works on the expressway over the last few years, a section will be closed with traffic diverted off at Elizabeth Street, along Williams St and returning to the motorway at Alice Street.

"To minimise disruption to traffic, we're starting late on the Friday night after the completion of the Broncos-Warriors game at Suncorp Stadium," Mr Emerson said.

"The section of the expressway will re-opened to traffic by 4pm on the Saturday ahead of the Lions-Saints game at the Gabba and the Red-Waratahs match at Suncorp."

Motorists can call the Transport and Main Roads Traffic Report Line on 13 19 40, or viewing the live webcams on-line at www.131940.qld.gov.au

[ozbob]

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls
15/07/2012

Thousands celebrate the completion of Airport Link

QUEENSLAND Treasurer and Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls was one of thousands of Queenslanders to get a sneak peek at the Airport Link toll road today.

Mr Nicholls officially opened the Airport Link Community Day, an event giving members of the public a chance to tour through the tunnel network on foot.

Speaking at the event, Mr Nicholls paid tribute to the tens of thousands of men and women who worked on this project during its three-year construction period.

"When this road opens in the coming days, a new way of travelling across some of the busiest parts of Brisbane will open up for drivers," Mr Nicholls said.

"About 30,000 people have worked a total of 28 million hours to deliver this project."

"This has been Australia's largest road infrastructure project and will ensure drivers save valuable time when travelling to and from the airport.

"Drivers travelling to and from the CBD will bypass up to 18 sets of traffic lights i f they utilise the tunnel.

"It will also mean less congestion on suburban roads around Kedron and Toombul as motorists take advantage of the time-saving toll road.

"Motorists will also benefit from a three month toll free period," he said.

Mr Nicholls thanked the community, particularly residents living around the project's worksites, for their cooperation and patience.

"This project has not been without its challenges and perhaps all of us stand a bit guilty in failing to appreciate the enormous impact it has had on people's lives during its construction," he said.

"There is a lot to be learned from this massive project. It has cut a path underneath many established suburbs and residential areas of north Brisbane, unlike projects of a similar nature in other cities which generally pass through industrial areas.

"For the past three years, Airport Link has been the centrepiece of a massive $4.8 billion infrastructure investment on Brisbane's north.

"More than 30,000 local people have had to live and work during the construction period and today the community gets an opportunity to see firsthand what has been achieved.

"I would also like to congratulate the thousands of people who have worked around the clock to build the road. Today we celebrate this significant engineering feat."


AIRPORT LINK PROJECTS FACTS

• $4.8 billion project cost
• 28.5 million hours worked
• 12,000 direct and indirect jobs created, with more than 4,500 people employed at peak
• More than 30,000 personnel inducted onto the Airport Link Project since 2008* - there are only nine cities or towns in Queensland with a population greater than the number of people who have worked on the APL project. (*ABS 2008)
• Bored and lined 15 kilometres of tunnel and ramps - 52 metres underground at deepest point
• 17 roadheaders (the largest number eve r used on an Australian infrastructure project
• 2 Tunnel Boring Machines (the largest to ever operate in Australia, weighing 3,000 tonnes each, equivalent to 75 semi-trailers)
• 25 bridges constructed - tallest bridge stands 25 metres high and longest is 684 metres
• 7 kilometres of new roadway
• More than 13 kilometres of new cycle and pathways
• 3 ½ hectares of new parkland
• 1.15 million cubic metres of concrete poured
• 2 million metres of cable laid
• 125,000 tonnes of reinforced steel used
• 128 traffic switches
• Over 9 million tonnes of spoil removed
• 30 cranes and around 25 piling rigs used during construction
• Distributed more than 1 million community notifications to local residents and businesses
• Around 11,000 visitors to the Airport Link Information Centre
• More than 170,000 visits to the project website

M ore than three and half hectares of new parkland has been established for the community to enjoy and 13 kilometres of new or improved pathways are also providing better connectivity throughout the northern suburbs.

Airport Link is expected to reach practical completion within coming days and to begin operation a few days later.

[ENDS] 15 July 2012

[Derwan]

Thousands celebrate the completion of Airport Link

Including me.... although I don't think I'll use it that much. 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151127213988968.498907.587308967&type=1&l=6bbe701a9a

A nice shot of Mayne Rail Yards in there. 

[SurfRail]

At least the blasted thing is finished and we won't be able to afford any more.

I'm just thankful I don't pay BCC rates (and won't for the next few years)...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Airport Link no Clem7, operator says

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Airport Link no Clem7, operator says

Time will tell ... lol

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Clem7 struggles may take toll on Airport Link

Clem7 struggles may take toll on Airport Link

Traffic on the Clem7 tunnel has slumped by 2363 vehicles a day or 9 per cent since last June.

The traffic on Brisbane's first toll tunnel, Clem7, will feed into the city's second toll tunnel, Airport Link.

The drop in Clem7 use will put extra pressure on Brisconnections - the operator of $4.8 billion Airport Link - to reach the 135,000 vehicles it predicts will use the tunnel daily a month after opening.

Figures obtained from the RiverCity Motorway's Clem7 website for June 2011 and June 2012 show a 9 per cent drop in traffic in Monday to Friday traffic over that 12 months.

The RACQ's analysis shows that over a seven-day week, traffic has dropped even further, by 11 per cent.

Traffic on the Clem7 tunnel from Annerley to Bowen Hills has slumped by an average of 2363 vehicles Monday to Friday.

In the 12 months to June, the average number of vehicles using Clem7 on a Monday to Friday has dropped from 26,417 to 24,055.

This month, the average daily figure (Monday to Friday) has dropped further, down to 22,307.

The traffic slumps appear to coincide with decisions by River City Motorway's receiver, Korda Mentha, to increase the tolls. Clem7 was placed in receivership in February 2011.

On April 4, 2011, tolls for cars increased from $3 per vehicle to $3.95 per vehicle, while from July 1, 2012, tolls increased from $3.95 per car to $4.05 per car.

Last night, RiverCity Motorway CEO Mark Snape refused to answer questions about Clem7's traffic figures because the company was in receivership.

"We anticipate the opening of Airport Link will have a positive impact on the number of motorists using the Clem7, but we will not speculate on what the exact patronage increase might be," he said in a statement.

Mr Snape would not answer a range of questions on topics including the revenue gained from the tolls, the likely impact on future toll increases, the expected increase from Airport Link and the impact on the Airport Link tunnel.

RACQ executive general manager Paul Turner said the Clem7 traffic slump showed motorists believed Clem7 was too expensive and did not offer value for money.

"There is little doubt that higher tolls have resulted in lower volumes for the Clem7, but we have seen volumes continue to drop over the last few months despite there being no change in the toll," Mr Turner said.

"We can only put this down to tougher economic times and drivers making a value judgement that the toll is too high."

When Clem7 was placed in receivership various reasons for its failure were offered, including the high toll.

Full tolls for Airport Link of $4.95 for a full trip and $3.75 for a short trip will be introduced in October 2013.

What the RACQ has found about Clem7 (seven day week):

- Twelve months to Jan 2012 – down 18% (Jan 2011 car toll $3.00, Jan 2012 toll $3.95)

- Twelve months to Feb 2012 – down 13% (Feb 2011 car toll $3.00, Feb 2012 toll $3.95)

- Twelve months to March 2012 – down 16% (Mar 2011 car toll $3.00, Mar 2012 toll $3.95)

- Twelve months to April 2012 – down 11% (Apr 2011 car toll $3.95, Apr 2012 toll $3.95)

- Twelve months to May 2012 - down 8% (May 2011 car toll $3.95, May 2012 toll $3.95)

- Twelve months to June 2012 – down 11% (Jun 2011 car toll $3.95, Jun 2012 toll $3.95)

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/clem7-struggles-may-take-toll-on-airport-link-20120716-226ks.html

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Navigating the maze: Airport Link opening to add to spaghetti junction

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Long-awaited Kenmore Bypass looks dead in the water, with the Newman Government focusing elsewhere

[SurfRail]

^ Maybe this is his punishment for his stuff-up the other week (and for not standing aside for Can-Do).  Cancel all of his election commitments and gradually make him so smelly to his constituents that they can justify pre-selecting somebody else for 2015.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Airport Link to open 'within days'

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Airport Link 'Australia's safest tunnel'

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Airportlink tunnel operators aim to avoid Clem7 mistakes

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Toll rises 'will halve Airport Link tunnel usage'

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane drivers in the dark as Airport Link tunnel opening hits red light

Brisbanetimes --> Airport Link awaiting safety green light

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Late hitch delays Airport Link tunnel opening and costs builder Thiess John Holland $22m in fines

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Flegg undeterred as Kenmore bypass plan bites dust

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Airport Link to open tonight

[ozbob]

Twitter

Not Campbell Newman ‏@Can_do_Campbell

All these wonderful comments on the news tonight about #Airportlink were almost exactly the same as those made about #Clem7 when it opened.

================

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Airport Link's midnight opening