It’s prompted the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to name for a rethink in how roads are constructed, maintained and funded.
ALGA President Linda Scott stated rebuilding roads to present requirements would value communities extra in the long run.
“In recent months, thousands of kilometres of local roads across NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland have been severely damaged by flooding, and in some cases have been washed away,” Scott stated.
“Considering the ongoing impacts of climate change, we can’t simply rebuild our local infrastructure, including roads, footpaths and cycleways, to current standards, we need a fundamental shift in the way we fund, deliver and maintain these assets.”
ARRB Chief Executive Officer Michael Caltabiano stated it was a chance to evolve the best way Australia’s roads have been constructed.
“Moisture is kryptonite for roads, and inevitably leads to potholes,” Caltabiano stated.
“This year’s floods and torrential rains have caused large-scale catastrophic damage to the road systems that connect communities and deliver freight.”
He stated the supplies used for establishing Australia’s motorways wanted to alter to enhance water resistance.
“Australia houses some of the smartest road technology in the world and the latest ARRB research shows many recyclables, including tyre rubber, are not only eco-friendly but create a more durable and resilient road surfaces,” Caltabiano stated.
Councils are liable for greater than 77 per cent of Australia’s roads by size, equating to about 678,000km.