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Hunt continues for Qld melting roads cause

Specialist equipment used to stabilise surface on affected routes

 

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is still seeking answers to last week’s melting roads phenomenon on certain Atherton Tablelands routes.

Indications this week were that the project review, ordered by state roads minister Mark Bailey as the issue was picked up by local MP Shane Knuth and became an international story and , was due to wrap up next Tuesday.

According to TMR district director Sandra Burke, it was too early to know exactly why the unusual event occurred, but it was essential to find out why it occurred.

Most early theories related to changeable weather condition affecting recent resurfacing for the extremely rare occurrence.

“Our review will look at the project’s design, materials and construction methodology and give us information we can use to ensure this situation does not happen again,” Burke says.

“Crews are continuing to carry out repairs to Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road, Kennedy Highway and Palmerston Highway, with all affected roads now stabilised.

“Permanent sealing works at all sites should be finalised by mid-August, weather permitting.

“The Millaa Millaa-Malanda Rd site is stable, with remedial repairs progressing and the specialist machinery working well. However the surface is still quite uneven due to the events of the past week.

“We are looking at options to provide the smoothest, most durable long-term solution and should have a decision very soon, after some final technical checks.”


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Repairs on the Kennedy Highway, near Upper Barron Road, are expected to be finished today, weather permitting, with specialist machinery then moving to the Palmerston Highway for repair works.

“We continue to work with resealing contractor COLAS to seek a permanent solution to resealing all the affected areas,” Burke says.

TMR has received 54 completed claims for compensation.

While the incident has affected B-double routes, commercial and heavy vehicles, few relate to trucks as those affected acted to deter others entering the bitumen bog, a TMR spokesperson tells ATN.

A Lindsay B-double was one but the company had little to add concerning that incident.

“All vehicle damage claims continue to be assessed as quickly as possible on a case-by-case basis,” Burke says.

“We will ensure legitimate, proven claims receive fair compensation.”

“We again apologise to those people whose vehicles have been damaged and travel plans disrupted by this extremely unusual event.

“Anyone who needs more information, or would like to lodge a claim for compensation should contact TMR on 4045 7144.”

Drivers can check for updates on the roadworks at www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 19 40.

 

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