More solar-powered, automated flood warning signs will be installed across Brisbane, including two roads along Oxley Creek, to lessen the risk of motorists driving through the flood waters.
On top of the 10 existing automatic flood warning signs found in Bardon, Moorooka, and Kenmore Hills, 12 more will be rolled out in the coming weeks. These locations were picked based on the advice of flood and traffic experts.
The new sites are located at the following locations:
- Paradise Road, Willawong / Larapinta (Oxley Creek)
- Sherwood Road, Rocklea (Oxley Creek)
- Lancing Street, Pullenvale (Pullen Creek)
- Bowhill Road, Durack (Hanleys Creek)
- Kholo Bridge, Kholo (Brisbane River)
- Rafting Ground Road, Brookfield (Moggill Creek)
- Victoria Street, Newmarket (Enoggera Creek)
- Formosa Road, Belmont
- Grandview Road, Pullenvale (Pullen Creek)
- Gap Creek Road, Kenmore Hills (Gap Creek)
- Bracken Ridge Road, Bracken Ridge (Bald Hills Creek)
- Wynnum Road, Tingalpa (Bulimba Creek)
“Too many motorists drive through flooded roads, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, and these signs automatically turn on once a creek or waterway reaches a certain level,” Mr Schrinner said.
The new signs are backed by LED lights so they will remain highly visible for motorists, especially in the evening.
The Federal Government allocated $99,000 for this project whilst Brisbane City Council has invested $500,000 so far and will be installing more signs before the year ends.
Priority has been given to sites where there are records and histories of motorists driving through the water despite the “If it’s flooded, forget it!” campaign;
The mayor said that this investment in new automated technology is a “great step forward.”
“Unlike 2011, the record-breaking rainfall in February caused a combination of river, creek, and overland flow flooding right across Brisbane.”
“This made it unsafe and impossible for Council officers to get to some areas and erect temporary road closed signs.
“By using this automated sign technology, we will be able to close and actively monitor flooded roads.”