News
24 January, 2024
Road to repair after petitions
A spokesperson for the Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has provided The Sentinel with clarification regarding a petition reply, which sparked confusion on Facebook.
Petitions 3943-23 was filed last year, asking for upgrades and fixes to the Brisbane Valley Hwy between Fernvale and Blacksoil to be redone, following repairs which residents claimed were “below an acceptable standard”.
On January 8, a reply by Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish MP, left petitioners confused, claiming upgrades would be completed by late 2024, but stating at the end of the letter no current funding was allocated towards pavement rehabilitation of Brisbane Valley Hwy.
The Sentinel enquired with TMR whether or not any upgrades could be expected and the reply is ‘yes’.
A spokesperson for TMR confirmed a two-kilometre section of the highway, north of Sandy Creek North, will have pavement rehabilitation undertaken, along with safety improvements, being funded under the region’s maintenance program (Targeted Road Safety Program).
“Once the safety improvements are constructed, resurfacing works will be undertaken across the length of the project,” the spokesperson said.
“In general, pavement rehabilitation and strengthening involves removing the top layer of the road and then stabilising the material below that pavement level.
The pavement is then filled with new material and sealed with bitumen.
This type of project requires extended time and funding to complete due to factors such as the condition of existing pavement and underlying sub-grade, the length of the road, road location, daily traffic volumes and weather conditions.”
Safety improvements include wide centre line treatments, shoulder widening and the removal of roadside hazards.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Mr Mellish’s reply, saying all works within the project are expected to be completed later this year (2024), weather and construction conditions permitting.
