Drivers in peril on road of ruin

MILLAA Millaa-Malanda Road has become a driving hazard after recent resurfacing works reportedly left the road worse than it was before.

Residents have taken to Facebook to complain of loose gravel and dangerous conditions on the road.

Deborah Stacey of Jaggan told the Cairns Post she drove the road twice a day every day and had a number of close calls.

“Since last Friday, I have seven chips on my windscreen, one of which gave me such a fright I lost control of the vehicle,” she said.

Bridget Wilson of Millaa Millaa said the road in its current state was a serious danger to those who use it, including people doing school runs.

“I’m absolutely disgusted. It’s just an atrocity that people in the Far North get treated like second-rate citizens and have to be riding our horses to work,” she said.

“People are having accidents, getting chips everywhere, gravel’s lifted off revealing sticky tar.

“I don’t want to see anyone die.”

A TMR spokeswoman said the site had been inspected and it had been concluded that a combination of rain and low temperatures had caused the seal issues on the road.

“We are liaising with our contractor and aim to carry out rectification works as soon as possible and as weather allows,” she said.

“We urge motorists to slow down while travelling through the area, particularly in wet weather, and be considerate of other motorists and roadworkers.”

Signs have gone up to indicate a reduced speed limit of 60km/h and crews swept the road yesterday.

Tablelands regional councillor Anthony Ball said the council had received many complaints about the road.

“It’s not in an acceptable condition to leave one of the busiest roads through our shire in such a state,” he said.

“I hope it gets fixed soon because it is such a busy road and such an important one for the people in the Southern Tablelands.”

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