Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has revealed the locations where 12 new automated flood warning signs will be rolled out in Brisbane.
Cr Schrinner said the new signs will be installed before the end of the year and help reduce the risk of motorists entering flooded roads.
“We’ve all heard the warning, if it’s flooded, forget it,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Unfortunately, some motorists continue trying to cross flooded roads while others enter unaware that a road is flooded.
“These new signs will significantly enhance our efforts to prevent motorists entering flooded roads.
“They switch on automatically when an alarm gauge detects a creek or water waterway reaches a certain level.
“Council is alerted whenever a sign is triggered, and a camera allows the area to be monitored remotely.
“Our $500,000 investment to install more of these signs can save lives.”
The “Road Closed Due to Flooding” message will be LED-backed, ensuring it is highly visible to motorists at night.
The 12 new signs follow the installation of three signs at Gap Creek Road, Kenmore Hills, Bowen Parade, Bardon and Lucy Street, Moorooka since the devastating February floods.
Council officers selected sign locations based on their history of flooding and motorists attempted to cross flooded roads. Officers also considered each location’s distance from where Council field staff are based.
“Our expert flood and traffic engineers have told us which roads frequently flood and which locations have a history of motorists attempting to cross flooded waterways. This is where those signs will go,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The installation of automated flood warning signs is part of an ongoing program and work will now continue on where signs should be installed next.”
In another major flood recovery milestone, Cr Schrinner announced Council is just weeks away from finalising inspections and cleaning of hundreds of kilometres of flood-impacted drainage across the city.
The Schrinner Council is investing a record $131 million this financial year in drainage, which is more than double the usual investment.
“We have completed inspections on more than 8000 open drains and inspected and cleaned out more than 315 kilometres of drainage,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Since the floods we have had specialised teams working 24/7 and using remote-controlled cameras to inspect the drains and then use high-pressure water blasts and suction to clean the drains of any built-up mud, debris, or tree roots.
“This is an incredibly complex but critical job because in the case of heavy rain we want water to be able to easily flow.
“We can’t stop Brisbane from flooding, but we can be better prepared.”
