❓ A member of parliament questions the Premier about increased traffic and safety concerns on the Pilbara road network due to resource industry growth, and the government's plans to address the issue. The Premier acknowledges the problem and outlines some low-cost solutions, but indicates that a full upgrade is unlikely due to funding constraints, blaming the previous government for inaction.
AnsweredQoN 1897Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Premier aware of the dramatically increased traffic pressure that is falling on the road network of the Pilbara region as a result of the unabated growth of the resource industry within the region?
(2) What steps will the State Government take to respond to the condition of the inland road route north from Newman via Nullagine to Marble Bar?
(3) Is the Premier aware that the current condition of large unsealed sections of this road is placing at considerable risk the safety of the many road users on this route?
(4) Will the Premier ensure that his government urgently brings forward a road upgrade program for this inland road between Newman and Nullagine and on to Newman that meets the current and future needs of this vitally important part of Western Australia?
(2) What steps will the State Government take to respond to the condition of the inland road route north from Newman via Nullagine to Marble Bar?
(3) Is the Premier aware that the current condition of large unsealed sections of this road is placing at considerable risk the safety of the many road users on this route?
(4) Will the Premier ensure that his government urgently brings forward a road upgrade program for this inland road between Newman and Nullagine and on to Newman that meets the current and future needs of this vitally important part of Western Australia?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
22 February 2010
Response time
102 days
(1) Yes, the Government is aware of traffic increases in the Pilbara due to increased growth in the resources industry.
(2) Main Roads' staff in the Pilbara region have undertaken some innovative 'low cost sealing' treatments in areas conducive to this approach. In addition, grading cycles have been increased on the unsealed sections and an ongoing re-sheeting / repair program has been employed to target the worst sections.
(3) The safety concerns in relation to dust from the unsealed road have been an ongoing concern. The utilisation of the initial sealed section (0 to 17.5km) and the 'low cost sealing' treatments starting at approximately 19km from the southern end through to Jiggalong turn-off have reduced the dust exposure and safety concerns on this road. Other low cost sealing has been undertaken for nearly 4km on the northern approach to the Fortescue Bridge, the 11km section south of the Hillside Road and on the 1km road section passing Bonney Downs Station. Road users are advised to travel with their lights on when on this road to improve their visibility to others. Dust and road traction does pose a safety risk to all road users on unsealed roads and as such, road users are advised to drive to the conditions on these roads.
(4) The cost of any upgrade to current Main Roads sealed road standards for this road section would require a substantial funding commitment. As the Member would be aware there are only limited road funds available and this must be spend in areas of the highest priority. Funding for this and many other needy roads in the Pilbara will be considered in future budgetary processes.
It is unfortunate that major improvement works on this road were not undertaken by the previous Government which enjoyed years of Budget surpluses and boom economic times. This was indeed a lost opportunity for the people of the Pilbara.
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(2) Main Roads' staff in the Pilbara region have undertaken some innovative 'low cost sealing' treatments in areas conducive to this approach. In addition, grading cycles have been increased on the unsealed sections and an ongoing re-sheeting / repair program has been employed to target the worst sections.
(3) The safety concerns in relation to dust from the unsealed road have been an ongoing concern. The utilisation of the initial sealed section (0 to 17.5km) and the 'low cost sealing' treatments starting at approximately 19km from the southern end through to Jiggalong turn-off have reduced the dust exposure and safety concerns on this road. Other low cost sealing has been undertaken for nearly 4km on the northern approach to the Fortescue Bridge, the 11km section south of the Hillside Road and on the 1km road section passing Bonney Downs Station. Road users are advised to travel with their lights on when on this road to improve their visibility to others. Dust and road traction does pose a safety risk to all road users on unsealed roads and as such, road users are advised to drive to the conditions on these roads.
(4) The cost of any upgrade to current Main Roads sealed road standards for this road section would require a substantial funding commitment. As the Member would be aware there are only limited road funds available and this must be spend in areas of the highest priority. Funding for this and many other needy roads in the Pilbara will be considered in future budgetary processes.
It is unfortunate that major improvement works on this road were not undertaken by the previous Government which enjoyed years of Budget surpluses and boom economic times. This was indeed a lost opportunity for the people of the Pilbara.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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