Media Release 17 Oct 2006 - Bridge Cracks

[ozbob]

Media Release 17th October 2006
Bridge cracks expose cracks in Brisbane transport options.

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has suggested the chaos arising in Brisbane this evening from closure of the Riverside expressway,  is just a sample of  regular road congestion and gridlock that is Brisbane?s future unless real improvements are made in public transport solutions.

Robert Dow said that

?The closure of one major road route has caused traffic chaos in Brisbane.  This highlights the fragility of the present traffic and public transport bus systems. Brisbane CBD is in virtual gridlock as I speak.  Rail continues to provide safe, rapid mass transport during this crisis.?

?Now is the time to expand the rail and bus networks.  It is clear the present path of toll roads, tunnels and road bridges is just making more problems rather than solutions.?

?The railway line to Brisbane Airport should be taken over by the State Government and fares and frequency of services brought into line with the rest of the suburban Brisbane railway network immediately.  This has the potential to ease traffic on the already congested roads to and from the airport in particular.  The present fare structure is out of reach of many travellers and workers in the airport precinct.?

Contact:

admin@backontrack.org  
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

http://backontrack.org

[GMS]

I believe we should be fair about this, think of the chaos that would occur if one rail bridge was closed in Brisbane.  Look at the chaos when there is a rail strike.  I believe there is good usage of rail as a form of transportation, but there should be more spent on improving it, and not just in Brisbane, there is more to Queensland than Brisbane.

[ozbob]

Hi GMS  

Yes, we have been lobbying for upgrading of the rail network throughout Queensland.

Fortunately we have options with public transport in the SEQ at this time.
At least with the rail if one of the river crossings is out there is an alternative, as has been done during maintenance weekends.  The fact that just one road has been shut and the impact just highlights the 'knife edge' the traffic flows are on.

Better public transport frequency, education and encouragement  to use it will do a lot for improving traffic flows.

The first of the new QR IMU units is running around Brisbane doing tests.  Look great!

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

Now that we have some time to come to terms with the changed traffic conditions things are going a lot better.  It again highlights the chronic underutilisation of public transport - rail bus ferry, up till now.

Congratulations to those folks who have staggered travel times and have ventured onto public transport perhaps for the first time.  In the longer term this is much better for all the community if we focus on building up community transport resources for generations to come.

Environmental benefits, cost savings, a happier  and a more healthy community are the outcomes.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

For interest, a recent photograph of the Riverside Expressway Brisbane.



Photograph: R Dow 6 Feb 2008

[ozbob]

Discussion thread Possible Traffic Problems Mon 30th July (2012) - Riverside Expressway could be closed

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8849.0