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VOCAL LOCAL Upgrades cause driver road rage
The road upgrades between Mareeba Connection Road and Malone Road have been completed but many believe the quality is not up to par.
Many were disappointed with the final result and demanded answers from the Department of Main Roads and Transport.
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If it was in the southeast corner of Queensland there would be 4 lanes and overpasses. Unfortunately, up here in the north we still have a very substandard and dangerous road network – Laird John Rossiter
No, cannot believe the quality of the new roads that have just been completed, honestly, I hope the contractor hasn’t been paid. It took so long to build and already has patches and rough surface’s – Donna Miller
My 2yr old granddaughter could patchwork a quilt better than that road and she doesn’t even know how to use a sewing machine – Helen English
What are you calling a road?? They’re all billy goat tracks!! Patched and band-aided to look like a road... Until we get a day’s worth of rain, then back to Billy Goat we go... Maybe as a collective we should sue for whiplash or tyre and front-end damage? Maybe then we’ll get some of the SE’s money for upgrades – Mandy Carvin
BY ELLIE FINK
MOTORISTS have delivered their verdict on the multi-million dollar upgrade to the Kennedy Highway east of Mareeba and it’s not complimentary.
The works to the stretch between Malone Road and Mareeba Connection Road are set to be officially finished in the next week and when new white lines were laid last week, many motorists took to Facebook, aghast that this was the finished product.
In a Facebook post, The Express asked users what they thought about the road and not one of the 80 comments was complimentary about the standard of the works.
The Cobra Creek causeway section was the source of many complaints, with many describing the road surface as “patchwork art”.
“My two year old granddaughter could patchwork a quilt better than that road and she doesn’t even know how to use a sewing machine,” one person commented.
“It’s rough, uneven and will need replacing straight after the next wet season. I’m giving it a -2 out of 10,” another said.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said she was concerned that the works were “below standard”, and was in talks with the
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
Taking on board locals feedback, she thanked commuters for their patience and promised to advocate for their needs.
“Maintaining sustainable Cairns to Mareeba Road access is critical to the Mareeba Shire and regional Far North Queensland,” she said.
“While council is thankful for the TMR upgrades to the Kennedy Highway, Mareeba, I am concerned that the work is below standard
“We are in discussions with TMR to understand if the intent is for any additional work to be completed.
“We, as a community, were patient while the work was completed, and I sincerely hope the road continues to meet the transport needs for our residents and visitors.
“Mareeba Shire Council does not maintain this section of the highway under the Road Maintenance Performance Contract, and it will be up to TMR to monitor and maintain the road.
“As a council, we will continue to advocate for shire-wide improved regional connectivity and sufficient road access.
When The Express asked TMR about the quality of the works involved in the upgrade, a spokesperson said all upgrades were inspected by TMR to ensure they were delivered to its standards, which varied in different parts of Queensland.
“During construction and at completion of every project, we carry out inspections to ensure the project is delivered to our rigorous safety and quality standards,” the spokesperson said.
“The project has been carried out to scope, which included some full-width seal sections and other sections had repair treatments applied.”
“Road users will benefit from the wide centre line treatment and shoulder widening, improving safety on this section of highway.”
With a delay in the completion of the project, which was forecast to be finished in early 2023, and wet weather playing havoc with the works, The Express asked whether the project was over-budget and whether this had played a role in the standard of the finished product.
“There has been no impact on the scope or budget of the project,” the spokesperson said.
However, when asked specifically whether the section of the road over Cobra Creek would be fixed, the department declined to answer.
2023 – MAREEBA Service Of Remembrance For RAYMOND BRUCE WESTON
Graveside Vigil to be held at Mareeba Dimbulah Road Cemetery, Qld (Protestant Section, Row U, Plot 14 - look for the flag) on Thursday 3rd August at 11am, assemble at 10.45am
All veterans and family and friends of past and present veterans are invited to attached.
It’s rough, uneven and will need replacing straight after the next wet season. giving it a -2 out of 10. Mark Bailey MP you should take a drive on this newly completed project to see for yourself just how bad of a job was done…it’s uneven, rough & will be lucky to last until the end of the year – Daryl Ritchings
This particular spot is very dangerous as it throws your vehicle and especially trucks to the left if you’re not prepared for it. #notfixed – Raylene Srhoj
No it’s like a patchwork road. Absolutely ridiculous for a main highway – Lyn Mahaffey
People have lost the art of building roads – Peter Andersen
My motto: ‘If you’ve got time to do it twice, you have time to do it right the first time’. It’s a total disgrace and there will be constant never ending repairs done – Louise Dayes Mahoney
How dodgy does that look. It’s like they purposely don’t do it properly so they can have a job to do at the end of the year which they will also not do properly. What a waste of our money for a patchy road that’s not even up to standard. It’s not a upgrade – Kym Broughton
If a individual had to build that in a subdivision or on his property then it would be nowhere near passing the standard test yet big companies can get away with that crap – Rick Di Maggio
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