TMR hopes for swift answer on liquefying surface hit speed bump
Finding out why the Atherton Tablelands’ Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road turned to goo at the start of the month will take longer than initially expected, according to Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The expectation mid-month was that clues to the phenomenon that saw commercial vehicles and cars stuck in tar would start to emerge after about a week but now that expectation has been delayed until mid-August.
The department has received reports of the status of the bitumen seal, stone and design, however, and they are being analysed to determine why the seal failed.
“This review will take some time. We now need to carefully analyse the results and look at the project’s design, materials and construction methodology,” TMR district director Sandra Burke says.
“This will give us information we can use to ensure this situation does not happen again,” Burke says.
Repairs have stabilised surfaces at Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road, Kennedy Highway and Palmerston Highway and permanent sealing works at all sites are on track to be finalised by mid-August, weather permitting.
“The Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road site is now stable, with remedial repairs progressing and the specialist machinery working well. However the surface is still quite uneven,” Burke says.
“We are looking at options to provide the smoothest, most durable long-term solution and should have a decision soon, after some final technical checks.”
Read how TMR began looking into the glue-pot roads here
Repairs on the Kennedy Highway, near Upper Barron Road, finished on July 16 and the specialist machinery had been moved to the Palmerston Highway.
“A second coat of seal is needed to stabilise the surface at Palmerston Highway near Henderson Drive,” Burke says.
“Due to wet weather on Wednesday July 18, correction works were paused. When the rains cease, we will then continue to apply the seal.”
TMR has now received 129 completed claims for compensation. Some of these were multiple claims by one claimant for damage including tar, tyre and windscreen damage.
“All vehicle damage claims continue to be assessed as quickly as possible on a case-by-case basis. We will ensure legitimate, proven claims receive fair compensation,” Burke says.
“We again apologise to those people whose vehicles have been damaged 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.”