Australian Freeways and Roads

[aussiescraperman]

I might as well start this thread, for any cool photos or updates and statistics that are out there waiting to be in a thread on skyscrapercity.

i'll start by posting a picture of probably the best freeway in the country...pacific motorway from brisbane to the gold coast and beyond...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/pacificmotorway.jpg

multiply!

[EK413]

I might as well start this thread, for any cool photos or updates and statistics that are out there waiting to be in a thread on skyscrapercity.

i'll start by posting a picture of probably the best freeway in the country...pacific motorway from brisbane to the gold coast and beyond...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/pacificmotorway.jpg

multiply!

Sad, how very sad are the highways in Australia... Plenty of land and what do they build... 2-3 lane highways with a speed limit of 80-100...
What a fantastic job our government did with the NEW M5 east tunnel between Arncliffe and King Georges road, come 2 pm its a parking lot with traffic banked back to Qantas drive!
I wish our government would wake-up and smell the coffee!

[>Milfhunter<]

That road will be quashed by Melbourne's M1 once its completed.

[SM247]

Sad, how very sad are the highways in Australia... Plenty of land and what do they build... 2-3 lane highways with a speed limit of 80-100...
What a fantastic job our government did with the NEW M5 east tunnel between Arncliffe and King Georges road, come 2 pm its a parking lot with traffic banked back to Qantas drive!
I wish our government would wake-up and smell the coffee!

It should be pointed out that the M1 as pictured is a 4-lane road with 110km running, which goes for quite a way further south. Eventually it returns to three lanes and 100km between Parkwood and Nerang, then 2 lanes to Tugun. This last bit will be upograded to 3 lanes Nerang to Tugun and 2 lanes along the Tugun Bypass, then its NSW's problem!

I agree though, the NSBT in Brisbane is only 2 lanes and will probably be a carpark a few years after it opens. Fortunately it doesn't actually feed the CBD or it would be full on opening day like the Lane Cove tunnel.

[EK413]

It should be pointed out that the M1 as pictured is a 4-lane road with 110km running, which goes for quite a way further south. Eventually it returns to three lanes and 100km between Parkwood and Nerang, then 2 lanes to Tugun. This last bit will be upograded to 3 lanes Nerang to Tugun and 2 lanes along the Tugun Bypass, then its NSW's problem!

I agree though, the NSBT in Brisbane is only 2 lanes and will probably be a carpark a few years after it opens. Fortunately it doesn't actually feed the CBD or it would be full on opening day like the Lane Cove tunnel.

Its good to see a 4 lane highway in QLD, at least they have some brains and I believe Melbournes highways have 4 lanes too...
Im not sure who designed the M5 extension, I believe it was Bob Carr? Reports say the tunnel was operating at its PEAK from day one which wasnt forcast until at another 20 years from now!!!

[ChrisZwolle]

What is the speed limit on Australian motorways?

[LtBk]

What is the speed limit on Australian motorways?

100-110km/h. And unlike most countries, Australia is very strict on enforcing their speed limits.

[ChrisZwolle]

100-110km/h.

Boooring speeds... especially on freeways.

And unlike most countries, Australia is very strict on enforcing their speed limits.

Don't worry, i live in The Netherlands. I am very used to speed traps, for instance, i travel 14km every day to work, and i pass about 8 speed traps on that small distance. :ohno:

[Paddington]

Sad, how very sad are the highways in Australia... Plenty of land and what do they build... 2-3 lane highways with a speed limit of 80-100...
What a fantastic job our government did with the NEW M5 east tunnel between Arncliffe and King Georges road, come 2 pm its a parking lot with traffic banked back to Qantas drive!
I wish our government would wake-up and smell the coffee!

Yeah, but how many people live in Australia? Australia may be the size of America, but it does not have America's population, and therefore will not have big American sized roads.

[LtBk]

Boooring speeds... especially on freeways.



Don't worry, i live in The Netherlands. I am very used to speed traps, for instance, i travel 14km every day to work, and i pass about 8 speed traps on that small distance. :ohno:

The Dutch government must be desperate for money.

[Trent800]

100-110km/h. And unlike most countries, Australia is very strict on enforcing their speed limits.

The speed limit is also 100-110km/h on single lane back country roads, be it dirt or tarmac.
I remember going fishing on the western port bay and we had to take a crumbling 1 lane road with no space to pass other vehicles and the speed limit was 100km/h. Ironically this 3m wide strip of asphalt is directly off a brand new expressway which also has a 100km/h limit.

[Alex Von Königsberg]

i travel 14km every day to work, and i pass about 8 speed traps on that small distanceThe Dutch government must be desperate for money.
I drove through Holland several times and did not notice a lot of speed traps. In American sense where a speed trap means a policeman hiding in the bush along the road I haven't seen any on my numerous trips through Europe. They do have many speed cameras though.

[Trent800]

In Australia they install speed cameras BEHIND overhead signs so you cant see them, cops/speed camera operators hide behind bushes in FAMILY SEDANS, (infact just yesterday I saw a cop in a family sedan pull over a driver) and the speed tolerance is 3km/h. Yes just 3km/h.

Speed camera operators have popped the hoods of their cars, removed tires or have a box of tools next to the car to fool drivers into believing that they are just civilians broken down on the side of the road.

The overhead speed cameras on freeways (hidden behind overhead signs) are
unreliable and errornous, as a 40-year old Datsun capable of just 130km/h when NEW was caught doing 156km/h, a truck was caught supposidly doing 500km/h on an UPHILL slope and get this, a BRICK WALL was allegedly doing 7km/h according to our speed cameras!

[Trent800]

In Melbourne:

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4076/fwy1eh8.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9322/fwy2pw8.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8357/fwy3dw1.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/6684/fwy4ju1.jpg

[ChrisZwolle]

I drove through Holland several times and did not notice a lot of speed traps. In American sense where a speed trap means a policeman hiding in the bush along the road I haven't seen any on my numerous trips through Europe. They do have many speed cameras though.

There aren't so many on motorways, but we have a lot of sneaky speed camera's behind trees, signs, garbagecans etc on the National roads, roads with usually a speed limit, that doesn't agree with how the road looks like. (flat, wide, straight roads in the countryside with a speed limit of 60km/h for instance :( )

But Austrailian motorways looks okay. Are there many traffic jams?

I see the motorway systems of Melbourne and Sydney aren't connected to eachother, will that be so in the future?
And are there motorways near Brisbane?

[Trent800]

^^ do you mean the two cities not being joined by motorway or their motorway networks themselves?

[Alex Von Königsberg]

I guess he meant that there is not a continuous motorway that would run from Malbourne to Sydney.

[r32_gts]

Isnt 800-1000km a lot of distance to turn into motorway? I am genuinely asking the question - what would be required for this.

[aussiescraperman]

There aren't so many on motorways, but we have a lot of sneaky speed camera's behind trees, signs, garbagecans etc on the National roads, roads with usually a speed limit, that doesn't agree with how the road looks like. (flat, wide, straight roads in the countryside with a speed limit of 60km/h for instance :( )

But Austrailian motorways looks okay. Are there many traffic jams?

I see the motorway systems of Melbourne and Sydney aren't connected to eachother, will that be so in the future?
And are there motorways near Brisbane?

95% of the freeway between melbourne and sydney is complete. and by 2020, the pacific highway between sydney and brisbane should also be freeway the whole way.

a map of freeways:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/aussieroads.jpg

[invincible]

The overhead speed cameras on freeways (hidden behind overhead signs) are
unreliable and errornous, as a 40-year old Datsun capable of just 130km/h when NEW was caught doing 156km/h, a truck was caught supposidly doing 500km/h on an UPHILL slope and get this, a BRICK WALL was allegedly doing 7km/h according to our speed cameras!

The first story was widely reported, but the latter two sound like urban legends. Unless a bunch of bricklayers got up to some mischief in the middle of the night, I don't think many speed cameras would have a brick wall in their line of sight.

New speed cameras don't even take your speed at one point - they find out what time you passed a specific point on the road and then find out what time you passed another point a few km away, so it works out your average speed and prevents people from slowing down to pass a speed camera.

Anyway the solution is simple, don't speed. Automated cameras exist only in urban areas where 100km/h is a fairly reasonable limit anyway, unlike the rural freeways where it's quite easy to subconsciously hit 120 and then 130 and so on.

(flat, wide, straight roads in the countryside with a speed limit of 60km/h for instance )
In all states here, the default speed limit in non-built up areas is 100km/h, and the only exception is where a speed limit is signed, usually around towns. I reckon Australian road authorities are very generous with the 100km/h limit - up until recently there was a two-lane, undivided road in suburban Melbourne (it was in a green wedge area) that had a speed limit of 100km/h. It's just that with the exception of the Northern Territory, no roads have a speed limit above 110km/h.

[ChrisZwolle]

a map of freeways:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/aussieroads.jpg

those aren't all freeways man.
The majority of them are just highways or roads.

[aussiescraperman]

yeah i know....i should've said the grey parts are freeways...but i thought everyone would have realized that.

lol damn, if all the purple were freeways...that would be like 150k km.

so yeah, juding by this map, we got about 1700km of freeway.

[ChrisZwolle]

so yeah, juding by this map, we got about 1700km of freeway.

sometimes it's states AUS has 16000km expressway, for example on wikipedia. :ohno:

[Maxx☢Power]

The speed limit is also 100-110km/h on single lane back country roads, be it dirt or tarmac.

Indeed.

http://nebuchadnezzar.interinter.net/100km.jpg

[Trent800]

^^ goddamn! the one i was talking about was tarmac and slighty wider with no curves

[aussiescraperman]

some recent pics of Eastlink being constructed in Melbourne. It is 40km long and costs 2.5billion dollars:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/bridge-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/coolwalls.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/lookingnorth.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/massiveoverpass.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/massivescale.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/measuredtoperfection.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/monashinterchange.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/monashinterchange2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/monitoringstation.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/monitoringstation2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/overpass.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/pedestrianbridge1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/pedestrianbridge2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/perfectfit.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/plantsknox.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/plantsknox2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/powerlines.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/ringwoodwithmoniteringstation.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/sexyness.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/sweet.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/tolls.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/tunnel.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/tunnelentry.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/tunnelinsulation.jpg

[Gertzy]

Yeah, but how many people live in Australia? Australia may be the size of America, but it does not have America's population, and therefore will not have big American sized roads.

That may be true, but there are some areas where even a 4 lane Motorway/Freeway could be built, but he is reffering to Motorway building in our cities. They often build 4 lane Freeways in the middle of our Major metropolitian cities, but they often exceed their capacity after a few months, like the M5 East Tunnel.

[ChrisZwolle]

but they often exceed their capacity after a few months, like the M5 East Tunnel.

That is STUPID planning. After a few years okay (bad planning), but after a few months? :nuts:

Specially in tunnels, which are hard to widen, you'd better make enough lanes for the next 20 years or so.

[Gertzy]

Since there are hardly any photos to worry about, Here's a couple of photos from random searches that I have found on Rural and Urban Freeways in Queensland.

Urban (Brisbane):
Pacific Motorway:
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Shailer%20Park-Pacific%20Mwy3.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Beenleigh-Pacific%20Mwy1.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Yatala-Pacific%20Mwy1.jpg

GATEWAY MOTORWAY (Brisbane):
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Eight%20Mile%20Plains-Gateway%20Mwy4.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Murarrie-Gateway%20Mwy11.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Eagle%20Farm-Gateway%20Mwy1.jpg

BRUCE HIGHWAY (Brisbane - Sunshine Coast)
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Murrumba%20Downs-Bruce%20Hwy.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Mango%20Hill-Bruce%20Hwy3.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Elimbah-Bruce%20Hwy2.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Bruce%20Hwy16.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Kiels%20Mountain-Bruce%20Hwy1.jpg

WARREGO HIGHWAY (Brisbane - Toowoomba):
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Warrego%20Hwy20.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Ipswich-Warrego%20Hwy1.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Warrego%20Hwy21.jpg
This one is more of an Expressway.

Enjoy.

[Maroon Grown]

$2.5 billion on Melbourne's Eastlink. $1 billion spent on fancy sound barriers.

no really, i love the way melbourne puts effort in making a boring monotonous freeway into an interesting drive. it also deters vandalism. i wish our govt would spent the dough on decent sound barriers. they have on the ICB (although that was a council project) and im aware that the M1 upgrade through springwood will have them as well but as for the rest, shithouse timber fences with occasional artwork painted on them

[aussiescraperman]

melbourn'e very ambitious freeway plan in 1969:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/0604freewayplanse5.jpg

and the actual freeway network to date at 2008:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/freewayactual.jpg

the scale of the map from one side to to the other is about 35-40km, so you can imagine how many freeways that is...

[CrazyAboutCities]

Oh no... That will be another same mistakes as USA did with its freeways... It caused a lot of urban sprawl and ghettos at existing neighborhoods. I hope Australia will stop building new freeways and build public transit system instead to avoid same mistakes as USA did.

[ChrisZwolle]

and the actual freeway network to date at 2008:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/freewayactual.jpg


So, all transit traffic has to cross right through downtown? Why isn't there a beltway, or a bypass?

[ChrisZwolle]

I hope Australia will stop building new freeways and build public transit system instead to avoid same mistakes as USA did.

Wrong. Public Transit and roadtraffic are mostly different traffic flows, so they don't compete with eachother, but they complete eachother. You need both in order to have a good traffic system.

[invincible]

So, all transit traffic has to cross right through downtown? Why isn't there a beltway, or a bypass?

Because most traffic is headed to the centre of the city. And since all railway lines terminate at the city, the roads and rail are often in direct competition.

Cross-town traffic only accounts for a small proportion of traffic and isn't enough to make the construction of a freeway viable. Remember, Melbourne has a very good arterial road network, which is often forgotten about. Traffic lights aren't too bad, when the traffic is flowing smoothly at 80km/h.

[Trent800]

melbourn'e very ambitious freeway plan in 1969:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/aussiehuskie/0604freewayplanse5.jpg



is this a hoax?

[aussiescraperman]

nope, apparentely that was the original 1969 freeway network planned for melbourne, just laid on top of a recent Melway map.
cheers

[Vic19]

Melbourne tollway construction:

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4306/91107776ge7.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8504/33322679vk3.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/4241/43597971xp0.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7156/40206845at4.jpg

[Citystyle]

Perth's got a good road network, currently a little stressed due to rail construction but that will improve. Alot of Perth Highways are near Freeway levels and Perth will have a Freeway grade loop oneday.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/56/137943582_9901ab3556.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/4/4181404_7b3ace4d94.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/74026311_8f78a5746d.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/406601115_f0caaab31d.jpg?v=0

http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif
The Great Devide #2
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/91719791_018093dedf.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/39/87236842_37dce9109d.jpg?v=0

Scar's South Perth Forshore.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/135251997_e0a5b38726.jpg?v=0

[CrazyAboutCities]

^^ Very nice! I am curious does Perth has dust or smog issues? I saw one of the pictures that shows dust or smog at Perth skyline.

[Vic19]

More MELBOURNE freeway construction

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1581/79615095vz4.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6931/79897919cc7.jpg

[Coneslammer]

^^ Very nice! I am curious does Perth has dust or smog issues? I saw one of the pictures that shows dust or smog at Perth skyline.

it's most likely smoke from bushfires in the surrounding areas.

Most Australian cities have a couple of days a year when the weather conditions are right that they will be blanketed in smoke from these fires.

[CrazyAboutCities]

it's most likely smoke from bushfires in the surrounding areas.

Most Australian cities have a couple of days a year when the weather conditions are right that they will be blanketed in smoke from these fires.

Oh gotcha! Thanks! I'm glad it is not smog though. :)

[Cruise]

In Australia they install speed cameras BEHIND overhead signs so you cant see them, cops/speed camera operators hide behind bushes in FAMILY SEDANS, (infact just yesterday I saw a cop in a family sedan pull over a driver) and the speed tolerance is 3km/h. Yes just 3km/h.

Speed camera operators have popped the hoods of their cars, removed tires or have a box of tools next to the car to fool drivers into believing that they are just civilians broken down on the side of the road.

The overhead speed cameras on freeways (hidden behind overhead signs) are
unreliable and errornous, as a 40-year old Datsun capable of just 130km/h when NEW was caught doing 156km/h, a truck was caught supposidly doing 500km/h on an UPHILL slope and get this, a BRICK WALL was allegedly doing 7km/h according to our speed cameras!


speaking of speed camera accaracy a motorist in a ford laser was done going 1010 k/mh on the sourthern expressway in Adelaide (and the police refused to believe it was a mistake :lol: )

Also the sourthern expressway is the worlds longest fully reverisble one way freeway.

Some info:
The Southern Expressway is open approximately 22.5 hours per day - a one-way freeway operating for over 11 hours in each direction. The northbound direction occurs on weekday mornings and weekend evenings, the southbound direction occurs on weekday evenings and weekend mornings. It is closed between approximately 12:40am - 1:10am and 12:30pm - 1:30pm except for Saturday and Monday mornings when the direction remains unchanged. The official closing times given by Transport SA (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Transport_SA&action=edit) are between 12:30am - 2:00am and 12:30pm - 2:00pm. During each closure all road signs, lights and boom gates switch, and the road is inspected by an RAA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Automobile_Association) van for debris or car breakdowns.

pics:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/55/Darlington-Southern_Expressway.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/20/SouthernExpresswayClosed.jpg

[Cruise]

In 1974 there was a bold plan for freeways in Adelaide. Only the south eastern freeway was built.

http://www.ozroads.com.au/SA/freewayplans.jpg

[M3_SoutheastMelb]

speaking of speed camera accaracy a motorist in a ford laser was done going 1010 k/mh on the sourthern expressway in Adelaide (and the police refused to believe it was a mistake :lol: )


no shit! :lol: I saw it on the news, i cant believe the cops actually refused to believe it was a mistake. they must be really desperate for revenue raising!

freeway viaduct in Melbourne

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8815/459779743552aa21f3cmp4.jpg

[M3_SoutheastMelb]

Melbourne

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6778/345174526b39c51c9a8bso9.jpg

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/4418/160686618cc4e23ffeaep1.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6730/fwy1hn2.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2161/fwy2uj3.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6825/fwy3bh5.jpg

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/8721/fwy4lx5.jpg

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2456/48974171491fa0082c5bju2.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7661/434826553c9f22697b9qy3.jpg

[Angry Bob]

Starting with VICTORIA - Population 5,100,000

Victoria state has 22,320km of highway, of which about 1050km is expressway grade. Melbourne's freeway network totals approximately 330km if stretched end-to-end while the remaining 720km of freeway/expressway is rural and mostly serve as a direct connection from Melbourne to major regional towns.

Map of current network:
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/7639/melxp8.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/7702/viczs2.jpg

Route 20 - Mildura-Renmark
http://madmartigan.net/smeghead/vic/nh20.jpg[/QUOTE]

Melbourne
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9322/fwy2pw8.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8357/fwy3dw1.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/6684/fwy4ju1.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6778/345174526b39c51c9a8bso9.jpg

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/4418/160686618cc4e23ffeaep1.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6730/fwy1hn2.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2161/fwy2uj3.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6825/fwy3bh5.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/1412/m80399qk.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/8199/m80416zr.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/1849/m80edgars4zw.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/6660/m80fitzgerald2ks.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/4918/m80m17tx.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/5559/m80m1027tf.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/8862/m80m1int5ok.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/8462/m80m8012fd.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/112/morningtonpeninfwy1kb.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/3540/princeshwy2fy.jpg

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/8721/fwy4lx5.jpg

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2456/48974171491fa0082c5bju2.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7661/434826553c9f22697b9qy3.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/9151/43407ln.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/5407/43bolte6xj.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/1861/m1avalon1nh.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/4385/m1c7012ae.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/695/m1corio3lg.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/9977/m1laverton026oi.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/4679/m1m80044pg.jpg

M8 Melbourne-Ballarat
http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/2861/m8acttng029hi.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/5409/m8bacchusmarsh5hi.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/7696/m8pykes030zg.jpg

M79 Melbourne-Bendigo
http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/4615/calderhwy8ub.jpg

[CborG]

Nice overview, i can see M-routes but also A, B and C-routes. Kind of confusing, the M is Motorway but you use the terms freeway/expressway.
M stands for the 'autobahn' type of road we know in europe, i think. But those others can be all types of roads? 2x1, 2x2 with same level crossings etc..

[Angry Bob]

In VIc atleast, M stands for any dual carriageway highway. It can be freeway, or expressway/dual carriageway with at-grade intersections. 'A' is a primary route between cities and towns - usually single carriagway with shoulders and well maintianed markings. B routes are single carriageways which connect smaller centers and are secondary to A routes and carry less traffic. C routes are small local access roads serving local communities and connecting small towns.

[Angry Bob]

Melbourne-Sydney M31, Victorian Section. Length of Victorian section from Melbourne to Albury is 300km and is 100% expressway grade.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/2494/200536thomastownvw7.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3792/200602seymournw5.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3976/200610tallarookzv1.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4623/200620tallarooklo3.jpg

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/8499/200658craigieburnzb0.jpg

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/4229/c722interchangelc9.jpg

M31 terminus in Melbourne
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/323/200675thomastownrs7.jpg

[Angry Bob]

M1/M80 intersection
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7957/20061102lavertonnthab2.jpg

M80
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/1060/200515tullamarineeg6.jpg

M39 Seymour to Murchison - expressway grade for about 50km
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/8809/200527murchisoneastpg1.jpg

A20 Renmark-Mildura
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3928/sturt20hwy13ms2.jpg

M79 Melbourne to Bendigo. Length 130km
http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/2408/calderfreewayhb5.jpg

http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/2566/35ay9.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5065/096lm1.jpg

http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/1304/100oh4.jpg

A79 near Mildura
http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/9190/800pxirympleyr8.jpg

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/6694/800pxcaldersilvercityzm2.jpg

[Angry Bob]

New freeway construction in Melbourne

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/682/070507aeri02ly0.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7898/070507aeri05dd1.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/8376/20070706171333ty6.jpg

Interchange near downtown
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/1748/5068810114111191781bsq5.jpg

[ChrisZwolle]

Looks very good!

[Blijdorp]

Nice system, it looks very new and well maintained.

[Angry Bob]

Nice system, it looks very new and well maintained.

Alot of Melbourne's freeways are actually quote new, less than 15 years old. About half of the current network was completed after 1992.

[sojourner truth ™]

I love Australia's highways.
They are yummy, I particularly like the arrangement of the expressways in CBDs

[CP Doom]

Very nice, seeing some of more quality roads up for appraisal. Funny seeing a 4 lane freeway in Melbourne compared to one of our crappy country 1 laners.
Victoria has a great network of freeways, radiating outwards like wheel spokes but unfortunatly for freeway enthusiasts, further expansion of the network is unlikely. Aside from the final few k's or missing links between freeway sections, new freeway grade roads beyond the large country towns seem unlikely to eventuate due to lower traffic volumes, although politics/demand may change peoples minds.
But good news, New South Wales & Queensland are all go with new sections of freeway, particulaly for the Pacific Highway between Sydney & Brisbane & the NSW section of the Hume Highway.
And Queensland does some pretty ace freeways.

[gappa]

New freeway construction in Melbourne


Don't you mean new freeway and tollway construction in Victoria? Great thread!

[Angry Bob]

Very nice, seeing some of more quality roads up for appraisal. Funny seeing a 4 lane freeway in Melbourne compared to one of our crappy country 1 laners.
Victoria has a great network of freeways, radiating outwards like wheel spokes but unfortunatly for freeway enthusiasts, further expansion of the network is unlikely. Aside from the final few k's or missing links between freeway sections, new freeway grade roads beyond the large country towns seem unlikely to eventuate due to lower traffic volumes, although politics/demand may change peoples minds.
But good news, New South Wales & Queensland are all go with new sections of freeway, particulaly for the Pacific Highway between Sydney & Brisbane & the NSW section of the Hume Highway.
And Queensland does some pretty ace freeways.
New freeway/dual carriageway construction will depend entirely on John Howard. Hopefully, instead of being a stingy ratbag like in the past,, he'll give VIc it's fair share. The only major freeway project that needs to get funded by Howard is the highway to Shepperton. If he refuses this, he is a major fuckhead. Most other proposals involve upgrading existing freeways and dual carriagways. Two major new proposals, dupiclicating the road past Geelong and Trarlgon, have already been dismissed by the fucken feds. :bash:

[invincible]

I'm sure thunder head/M3SoutheastMelb/M1SouthEastMelb/etc won't be very happy with you blatently reposting his material. Heck, you even stole the tone he talks in.

[Angry Bob]

^^ heck, your a fucken retard. Cheers to you arseface :cheers: Instead of being a douchebag for once in your life, you could've made some proper contribution here.

enjoy the rest of your evening. I hope you succeed in satisfying your boyfriends "ueweuweppewuuueuwuueepwppeppwpeepp" and "Tayser "

[Avatar]

New freeway/dual carriageway construction will depend entirely on John Howard. Hopefully, instead of being a stingy ratbag like in the past,, he'll give VIc it's fair share. The only major freeway project that needs to get funded by Howard is the highway to Shepperton. If he refuses this, he is a major fuckhead. Most other proposals involve upgrading existing freeways and dual carriagways. Two major new proposals, dupiclicating the road past Geelong and Trarlgon, have already been dismissed by the fucken feds. :bash:

I hate to say it but there are far more pressing needs for Sydney's roads, these should be funded before some of the ones listed above. Melbourne's road newtork is gernerally ok, but ours is straining. Too few roads, too few lanes, too many cars and nowhere left to build the roads but underground.

[CborG]

^^ heck, your a fucken retard. Cheers to you arseface :cheers: Instead of being a douchebag for once in your life, you could've made some proper contribution here.

enjoy the rest of your evening. I hope you succeed in satisfying your boyfriends "ueweuweppewuuueuwuueepwppeppwpeepp" and "Tayser "

Instead of brainless namecalling and swearing you could take his advise and put some sources in your posts if those pics aren't yours. just a thought...:)

[Angry Bob]

the thing is me and him hated each other from day 1. I've been waiting for an oppurtunity to tell him off.

[KIWIKAAS]

Well. As usual Angry Bob (thunder head/M3SoutheastMelb/M1SouthEastMelb) has succeeded in turning another one of his threads into a total farse and then (yet again) getting himself banned aswell.:lol: :nuts:

[gappa]

Hopefully someone else will continue on this thread.

[KIWIKAAS]

There's also this one.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=434396&page=3

[vid]

All those cars driving on the wrong side of the road is an accident waiting to happen! ;)

[OS3005]

More of M31 Victorian section

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/4102/m31pe7.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/6738/m32he3.jpg

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/9523/m33vb0.jpg


M1/A1 east of Melbourne
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7294/m1gippsgb8.jpg

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/7042/m2gippscu9.jpg

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/3451/a1gippsil5.jpg

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/3470/a2gippsqj7.jpg

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/3410/a3gippsnn0.jpg

[CP Doom]

Is that Warragul in the 4th picture?

[OS3005]

yeah I'm pretty sure it is

[Avatar]

LOL is anyone going to post NSW roads?

[cmoonflyer]

The highways of different directions look so nice !

[Avatar]

Some from Sydney

M7 - Westlink M7 Orbital Motorway
Light Horse Interchange ... yay for Sydney, a stacked interchange!
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/08/12/interchange_wideweb__430x272.jpg
http://www.westlinkm7.com.au/Images/WestlinkGallery/Gallery15/8.jpg
http://www.westlinkm7.com.au/Images/WestlinkGallery/Gallery15/2.jpg
http://www.westlinkm7.com.au/Images/WestlinkGallery/Gallery15/5.jpg

[Avatar]

Lane Cove Tunnel
http://www.lanecovetunnelproject.com.au/verve/_resources/EP070329_28.jpg
http://www.lanecovetunnelproject.com.au/verve/_resources/WP070330_009.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/48/LCT_Internal.jpg

[Avatar]

More to come...

[KIWIKAAS]

Warringah Freeway, Sydney

16 lanes at it's widest point (6 citybound - 9 northbound)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Warringah_Freeway4.jpg/800px-Warringah_Freeway4.jpg

Above the reversable lanes. (morning peak citybound)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7a/Warringah_Freeway1.jpg/800px-Warringah_Freeway1.jpg

Just south of Military Road (looking north)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/95/Warringah_Freeway3.jpg/800px-Warringah_Freeway3.jpg

Morning peak traffic heading towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6e/Warringah_Freeway2.jpg/800px-Warringah_Freeway2.jpg

[ChrisZwolle]

I think Sydney has a rather small motorwaynetwork, considering the city´s size.

[KIWIKAAS]

It does. However alot has been built since 1990 when there was only about 30km of motorway in the entire urban area. Many of the problems with developing the network has to do with the wholesale release of motorway development corridors by the New South Wales government in the late 1970s and early 1980s (one of the corridors went through the Premier's electorate). Because of the absence of corridors new motorways have to be contructed largely underground with the inherrent high contruction costs involved. Motorway development is always a very contentious issue in Sydney (as is also the case in Adelaide).
Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra have far more elaborate motorway/arterial road networks.

[kibebaszot]

from main roads victoria:
A1/M1 east of Melbourne
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8897/a1gippsym7.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4841/a2gippslh5.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5980/a3gippsha1.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7703/m1gippson3.jpg

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/6126/m3berwickxh4.jpg

M1 Melbourne-Geelong
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4010/m1westfu2.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1112/m2westhj6.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/762/m3westzp9.jpg

[Verso]

I'm noticing that the pavement on Australian highways is generally very good!

[ssiguy2]

I wish Canadian freeways were that well maintained.

BTW, I always understood that the Little River Band was from Melbourne and got their name from a freeway sign.............that must be the one.

[CP Doom]

LOL is anyone going to post NSW roads?

sorry avatar, too lazy to post pictures.


[QUOTE=kibebaszot;14204508]from main roads victoria:


http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7703/m1gippson3.jpg

^^
Mentions Morwell, my home town. OMG international acclaim!

[Bori427]

^LOL!

Great freeways by the way :)

[Avatar]

More Sydney

Cahill Expressway
(Iansand - Flickr)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/70/173222724_bfcf924267.jpg

(Seedy_MSD - Flickr)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/52642557_471cb9fcf9.jpg

Eastern Distributor
Southbound Eastern Distributor tunnel entrance at Woolloomooloo
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Eastern_Distributor_tunnel.jpg

(mavnjess' flickr)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/330915269_1fa266d1c2.jpg

northbound wooloomooloo
http://www.allangles.com.au/images/gallery/landscape-and-travel/ed_nthbnd_view.jpg

northbound
http://www.ita-aites.org/cms/uploads/RTEmagicC_4ca13e8c49.jpeg.jpeg
http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif


Western Distributor
Darling Harbour -that sexy tower is the ventilation stack for the cross city tunnel (rhettly - flickr)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/440675674_07ca242c00.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/78/190419759_1c54e69740.jpg (yewenyi's - flickr)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/539504878_f2b0f38988.jpg (Pennie David's - flickr)

City Westlink
Anzac bridge
http://163.189.7.150/constructionmaintenance/images/anzacbridge/003.jpg
http://163.189.7.150/constructionmaintenance/images/anzacbridge/004.jpg

[keber]

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7703/m1gippson3.jpg

Do you use miles or kilometers?

[kibebaszot]

Kilometers

[gappa]

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7703/m1gippson3.jpg

Do you use miles or kilometers?

Kilometers

Neither; we use kilometres.

[Avatar]

Sydney

F3 Freeway at Mooney Mooney bridge (lube'sLife - flickr)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/447827118_ec1c82aeed.jpg

The Hawkesbury River F3 Freeway Bridge. (marsh_andy - flickr)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/457516534_2d9e3e45af.jpg

F3 begginning at Wahroonga
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2004/05/05/freeway_430,0.jpg

[keber]

Neither; we use kilometres.

I thought so, but when seeing this picture, where miles seems to be more important on this sign, you could think different.
http://www.lemis.com/grog/Photos/20040203/small/90-mile-straight.jpeg

[Avatar]

It the name of the road, just like the name of 90 mile beach and other places. You can't exactly make the name '146.6 kilometre straight'.

These places were probably named when we used imperial and its a bit hard to change them now.

[Verso]

Neither; we use kilometres.Kilometer(s) = American English. And btw, 90 mi × 1.609344 = ~144.8 km.

[PerthCity]

Kilometer(s) = American English. And btw, 90 mi × 1.609344 = ~144.8 km.

The true length of the road is probably 146.6 km. I don't think it was built to be exactly 90 miles.

[CborG]

Wow, abot 150km dead straight. That's about half my country from north to south:nuts:. And that sign further away, says 100 if im correct. That's in kilometers I presume?

[edit] sorry, didn't read well, you use km's:bash:

[kibebaszot]

it's 110km/h but I seriously doubt anyone would obey it on a 140km straight in the middle of nowhere.

[CP Doom]

^^ lol at your avatar. :lol: sorry people, completely unrelated.......

[Avatar]

Until recently the NT had no speed limits on some roads. What a pity they were brought into line with the typical 110km/h limits.

[kibebaszot]

It's actually 130. I still wouldnt obey it though

[KIWIKAAS]

Love this pic of the Western Distributor

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/440675674_07ca242c00.jpg

[aussiescraperman]

start of Eastlink in Donvale, suburb 22kms out of melbourne.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z107/eurek_2007/070726_mitc_03.jpg

[Jeroen669]

Great pictures, you're highways look definitely better than I would have expected. The only thing I miss are some pictures from the real outback with road trains, gravel roads and such things... :)

[Deus Ex]

Love this pic of the Western Distributor

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/440675674_07ca242c00.jpg
Those look very mordernized.

[KIWIKAAS]

Queensland

from www.expressway.paulrands.com and www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld

Brisbane & South East QLD

Pacific Motorway M3 & M1. Brisbane - Gold Coast - NSW border

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Brisbane36.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/qld/Sth%20Brisbane-Riverside%20Exp1.jpg
http://http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/01eightmileplainstobeenleigh/images/200603_03_underwood.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/01eightmileplainstobeenleigh/images/200603_04_underwood.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/01eightmileplainstobeenleigh/images/200603_07_rochedalesth.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/01eightmileplainstobeenleigh/images/200603_20_loganholme.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/01eightmileplainstobeenleigh/images/200603_23_loganholme.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/01eightmileplainstobeenleigh/images/200603_24_loganholme.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/02beenleightonerang/images/200603_25_beenleigh.jpg
http://http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/02beenleightonerang/images/200603_27_beenleigh.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/02beenleightonerang/images/200603_29_beenleigh.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/02beenleightonerang/images/200603_36_ormeau.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/02beenleightonerang/images/200603_45_helensvale.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/02beenleightonerang/images/200603_54_arundel.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/02beenleightonerang/images/200603_55_arundel.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/03nerangtotugun/images/200603_61_nerang.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/03nerangtotugun/images/200603_66_carrara.jpghttp://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/03nerangtotugun/images/200603_86_burleighheads.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/pacificmwy/03nerangtotugun/images/200603_101_tugun.jpg

Gateway Motorway M1

http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/gatewaymwy/images/200603_02_baldhills.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/gatewaymwy/images/200603_08_brackenridge.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/gatewaymwy/images/200603_20_northgate.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/gatewaymwy/images/200603_30_eaglefarm.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/gatewaymwy/images/200603_33_murarrie.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/gatewaymwy/images/200603_49_rochedale.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/gatewaymwy/images/200603_53_rochedale.jpg

Gateway upgrade

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Maroon1/gateway3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Maroon1/gateway4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Maroon1/gateway6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Maroon1/gateway9.jpg

Bruce Highway M1 Northbound

http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/brucehwy/01baldhillstocaboolture/images/200603_02_baldhills.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/brucehwy/01baldhillstocaboolture/images/200603_05_kullangur.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/brucehwy/01baldhillstocaboolture/images/07kallangur.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m1/brucehwy/01baldhillstocaboolture/images/200603_19_caboolture.jpg

Ipswich Motorway M5 Westbound

http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m5/images/200603_03_sumner.jpg
http://expressway.paulrands.com/photogallery/roads/qld/numbered/m5/images/200603_08_indooroopilly.jpg

[Nexis]

interesting highway photos!

[KIWIKAAS]

Western Australia

Perth

from Chrisaus WA forum

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9270/rimg00435ls.jpg
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2315/rimg00473sc.jpg
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/1749/rimg00492nc.jpg
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/815/rimg00523ct.jpg
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3397/rimg00783sq.jpg
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9176/rimg00382xm.jpg
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7667/a7bc1.jpg
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9919/aa4cm.png
http://www.constructors.com.au/award-achievement/2002/images/kwinana-2.jpg
http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/4058/109rk.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/West_Gate_Bridge.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Eastern_Freeway_Belford_St.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/MonashFwyEastMalvern-Jan07.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

allready posted on prev page

[KIWIKAAS]

South Australia

Adelaide

images from http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos

South Eastern Freeway M1

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Glen%20Osmond-Adelaide-Crafers%20Hwy5.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Mt%20Osmond-Adelaide-Crafers%20Hwy1.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Heysen%20Tunnels1.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/SEFreeway.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Verdun-SE%20Freeway2.jpg

Southern Expressway M2 (world's only fully reversable freeway)

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Bedford%20Park-South%20Rd2.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Darlington-Southern%20Expressway.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/SthExpress1.jpg
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Noarlunga%20Centre-Southern%20Exp3.jpg

Main South Road, heading north-east approaching the Southern Expressway junction with the expressway only open for southbound traffic.
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Main%20South%20Rd5.jpg
A good comparison as this time the expressway is open for northbound traffic
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Southern%20Expressway1.jpg

[Punishment466]

The Port River Expressway in Adelaide. These photos come just as the expressway was nearing completion.

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/transport_network/projects/port_xpress/images/stage-1-no1.jpg
http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/transport_network/projects/port_xpress/images/stage-1-no2.jpg
http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/transport_network/projects/port_xpress/images/eastern-parade-1.jpg
http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/transport_network/projects/port_xpress/images/south-rd-overpass.jpg

[NZer]

More Western Australia.

Mitchell Freeway

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb26/NZ458/101039.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb26/NZ458/101006.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb26/NZ458/DSCF0105.jpg

Tonkin Highway
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb26/NZ458/DSCF0101.jpg



I will post some pics of Roe,Graham Farmer and Kwinana Freeways next week.

[LtBk]

Its too bad Australia has the biggest anti-speed nazis in the world.

[B772]

^^ That is so so true :bash:

Melbourne M3 Eastlink

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/691/ringwoodzv2.jpg

Tunnel
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/9844/tunnelia8.jpg

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3904/monash2xd9.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6052/monash3ov4.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6814/monashintercac2.jpg

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8535/heathertonnk7.jpg

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6906/franktonbm3.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

Flickr by yewenyi
(Darling Harbour, Sydney)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/56/141672414_dc77b0135c_b.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

from Flickr

Mitchell Freeway
by urbanphotographer
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/140248913_2d2304e0c7_o.jpg
by Elana3
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/455888143_da0796ab63_b.jpg

Narrows Interchange with downtown backdrop
by luny
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/44275995_c7a21ea0dd_b.jpg

Kwinana Freeway
by Trevor Morgan Photography
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/466317004_51d87e9155_o.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

from Flickr

by s2art
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/3/3903345_198d43abaa_o.jpg
by Vermin Inc
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/471253602_e1d555219f_o.jpg
by bazpics
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/519708859_fd3f103e9f_o.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

Pacific Motorway M1 between Brisbane and Gold Coast

Flickr by monkeyc.net

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/47/129114389_199a27dae1_b.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

flickr By Karsoe

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/83183508_02aeadab76_o.jpg

[DanielFigFoz]

Australian Highways are very nice.

[Calvin W]

Its too bad Australia has the biggest anti-speed nazis in the world.


Not true! If you drive reasonable there are no problems! Speed limits are there for a reason. Obey them and you will not have a problem. Break them and you will.

Personally I hope WA goes farther and starts destroying cars of hoons and idiots caught on the highways and freeways. Maybe then people will learn how to drive.

[ChrisZwolle]

Not true! If you drive reasonable there are no problems! Speed limits are there for a reason. Obey them and you will not have a problem. Break them and you will.


Yeah, they are for generating cash. Ofcourse, when a speed limit makes no sense at all, they put in a speed check.

[Jeroen669]

Personally I hope WA goes farther and starts destroying cars of hoons and idiots caught on the highways and freeways. Maybe then people will learn how to drive.

People won't learn (better) how to drive, if the government takes off their responsibilities with low speed limits and heavy police enforcement.

[KIWIKAAS]

^^
The exact opposite also applies

People won't learn (better) how to drive, if the government gives them their responsibilities with high speed limits and minimal police enforcement.

Which of the 2 has beter results?

[ChrisZwolle]

It's right in between. A lot of people can't handle high speeds. But the government sets stupid low speed limits, that encourage "speeding".

[Jeroen669]

People won't learn (better) how to drive, if the government gives them their responsibilities with high speed limits and minimal police enforcement.

Then why is a country like germany NOT unsafer than for instance Holland? With your arguments it should be much unsafer, because: high limits (bigger responsibilities) en less police enforcement (and fines are lower, I thought)

Our policy to always blame people when overspeeding rather has negative side effects. People keep looking at the speed meter too much, especially in areas with permanent speed checkings. That causes more irritation, unsafety and traffic jams.

Why do you rarely see policemen on the real unsafe places? (singel-lane rural roads, roads with lots of slow traffic etc.) It's just what Chris says: it's mostly just for cashing here.

[ChrisZwolle]

^^ German fines are lower for minimal speeding like up to 20km/h or 12 MPH too fast, but higher over 20km/h too fast. And they are very strict near road constructions too, although i found the 60km/h (37MPH) limit near construction sites sometimes too slow.

But generally there is no need in Germany to not obeying the speed limit, rural roads are always 100km/h or 60MPH, so you're not stuck on a straigh road with minimal traffic and a 60 or 80 km/h limit. But one that comforts how the road looks.
And clearly not every Autobahn is limitless, in fact, a lot do have a limit, i don't mind if they set the limit to 160km/h or 100 MPH or so. Germans can handle high speed much better as in other countries obviously, but crashing with 220km/h can be disasterous for other traffic on the road.

[Vrysxy]

Nice freeways.

[annman]

Basic rule: It's not speed that really kills, it's dumb and unfocussed drivers! That's it... travelled around the world, found it's idiots that cause accidents, not 140km/h...

[Brisbaner21]

Its just a shame that Australia has faced as many fatalities on its highways as it has. I know many other countries have had their fair share too, hopefully in the future fatalities will drop drastically.

[Brisbaner21]

Does anyone have any of Townsville, Cairns or Darwin? Townsville and Cairns have some extremely nice highways.

[KIWIKAAS]

Can't compare to the Struma but.....
A random assortment of Freeways In Australia from Flickr

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/83/233705185_e2da3c6ca5_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/95/234799794_e30f1134c8_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/509197443_83e7464cbc_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/28148895_975976b09a_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/89/235015827_23f3f34a7a_b.jpg
http://flickr.com/photos/camerajuice/291396870/
http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif

[NZer]

LOL @ the Struma hype.

[kajetanek]

hmmm nice highway 5 circuit in one way awsome :)

[Lisho]

Darwin doesn't have any freeways but there should be a major upgrade of Tiger Brennan Drive within the next 12 - 24 months. Keep your eyes peeled ;)

[JaakkoSuomi]

A random assortment of Freeways In Australia from Flickr
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/28148895_975976b09a_b.jpg

What are those lanes on the very side for? Ambulances? For cars to stop? Bikes?

[ChrisZwolle]

Emergency lanes on both sides are common when a road has more than 3 or 4 lanes per direction in one row (not parallel configurations).

[KIWIKAAS]

^^
That freeway is now more than 30 years old.
I wonder if Radi would consider this smooth enough and the barriers shiny enough though. Before giving our stamp of approval.

[TheCat]

What are those lanes on the very side for? Ambulances? For cars to stop? Bikes?

Yeah, as Chris said, these are just emergency lanes. In Ontario, many highways also have large shoulders in the middle of the road. It probably has to do with the fact that both in Australia and in Canada we have tonnes of space, so why not? :) In Europe they also exist on larger motorways, but not as common from what I've seen (probably due to space constraints).

[scotdaliney]

Emergency lanes on both sides are common when a road has more than 3 or 4 lanes per direction in one row (not parallel configurations).

Also because Aussies favorite lanes is the right lane. Look at most the pics:ohno:. Probably also why the speeds are so slow yet so many accidents.

[invincible]

Sticking to the left lane is only really a requirement on roads outside of urban areas (where there is a need to overtake slower vehicles like trucks or tractors) - the urban freeways are fine with their current speed limits, for example in Melbourne the speed limit varies between 60 and 100km/h using LED speed signs. The West Gate Freeway's maximum speed limit was reduced to 80km/h from 100km/h because of its traffic volume and the closely spaced exits and entrances which causes a lot of weaving.

It's important to note that Australia has a high road accident rate but fatal accidents generally occur when cars are driving through country roads, where all roads have a 100km/h limit (unless otherwise signed, which isn't common) regardless of quality and some drivers are dumb enough to ignore the advisory speeds posted on warning signs near curves or are unable to drive according to the conditions (darkness, rain, fog, etc).

[scotdaliney]

Sticking to the left lane is only really a requirement on roads outside of urban areas (where there is a need to overtake slower vehicles like trucks or tractors) - the urban freeways are fine with their current speed limits, for example in Melbourne the speed limit varies between 60 and 100km/h using LED speed signs. The West Gate Freeway's maximum speed limit was reduced to 80km/h from 100km/h because of its traffic volume and the closely spaced exits and entrances which causes a lot of weaving.

It's important to note that Australia has a high road accident rate but fatal accidents generally occur when cars are driving through country roads, where all roads have a 100km/h limit (unless otherwise signed, which isn't common) regardless of quality and some drivers are dumb enough to ignore the advisory speeds posted on warning signs near curves or are unable to drive according to the conditions (darkness, rain, fog, etc).

While I agree that most accidents happen in rural areas. Nowhere in Australian road rules does it state that keeping left is only for rural areas. Any road with a speed limit above 80km or with keep left signs, it is illegal to be in the right lane EXCEPT for overtaking. Demerit points 2, fine $150. ANY person that has driven for any amount of time in a country where the majority do follow these laws will know what a difference they make to traffic flow and congestion, even in the conditions you describe. Usually even with many more cars per hour.

[ChrisZwolle]

Motorways/Freeways/Expressways are always the most safe roads to travel on. Okay, more accidents happens in numbers, but it is by far more save by mileage than any other road.

[invincible]

While I agree that most accidents happen in rural areas. Nowhere in Australian road rules does it state that keeping left is only for rural areas. Any road with a speed limit above 80km or with keep left signs, it is illegal to be in the right lane EXCEPT for overtaking. Demerit points 2, fine $150. ANY person that has driven for any amount of time in a country where the majority do follow these laws will know what a difference they make to traffic flow and congestion, even in the conditions you describe. Usually even with many more cars per hour.

But enforcement and observance of that rule is zero, in urban areas in Victoria anyway.

[scotdaliney]

Have you ever driven in Europe, If you have you would understand how much better roads flow, and how much congestion is avoided through this simple rule... or should I say courteosy. Driving in Aus seems all about "fuck everyone else, why should I give way, let in, move over, have any fucking manners what so ever."
Much of the congestion in Australia is self inflicted by the drivers not the roads.

[Brisbaner21]

Nice set of pictures.

[goschio]

It's important to note that Australia has a high road accident rate but fatal accidents generally occur when cars are driving through country roads, where all roads have a 100km/h limit (unless otherwise signed, which isn't common) regardless of quality and some drivers are dumb enough to ignore the advisory speeds posted on warning signs near curves or are unable to drive according to the conditions (darkness, rain, fog, etc).

Yes, and lots of wildlife in the outback. I personally killed already two kangaroos. And one smashed with its head into the water tank for the wipers. Luckily nothing serious.

[KIWIKAAS]

Sydney
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2063541394_2ecf01da17_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/468223385_895029d21b_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/2068952280_76bd037aec_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/116/252285659_a82b2e1eb4_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/405567135_d103e0a608_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/22/30567428_f1340cee6d_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/74/158536471_e094cf6ba3_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2054510190_563e0b23fa_b.jpg
http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gifhttp://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/1276959634_08bef7154c_b.jpg
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1301/lighthorsejt4.jpg
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5706/shbsthcd3.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

Brisbane

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/507406217_d3cc2d8a4d_o.jpg
http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gifhttp://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/50/147524256_31044bbb06_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/302572253_106afea1e2_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/415438189_5c84d61e67_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/239/1500213694_bcc9eb42da_b.jpg

[Brisbaner21]

I really like the Sydney shots.

[timmy- brissy]

hasnt australia got a lot of projects for roads int he future.i seem to remember reading something about sydney will have a complete motorway 5 -15 years.and gateway bridge project looks amazing.keep them coming.

[timmy- brissy]

heres some more

http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/03/12/12F3_m_m.jpg


http://http://dart.net.au/~krool/photos/index.htm
http://http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en-commons/thumb/9/98/270px-Kwinana_Freeway_from_Leeming_SMC.JPG
http://http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/news/monashfreeway/congestion_brady_rd.jpg

http://http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Crafers-SE%20Freeway.jpg

that link goes to good website showing pictures of australias roads.

[timmy- brissy]

heres some more

http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/03/12/12F3_m_m.jpg


http://http://dart.net.au/~krool/photos/index.htm (http://dart.net.au/~krool/photos/index.htm)
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en-commons/thumb/9/98/270px-Kwinana_Freeway_from_Leeming_SMC.JPG
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/news/monashfreeway/congestion_brady_rd.jpg

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/sa/Crafers-SE%20Freeway.jpg

that link goes to good website showing pictures of australias roads.

[timmy- brissy]

http://www.geocities.com/aussieforum/adelaide.jpg


http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ozroads.com.au/NSW/Freeways/WesternDistributor/Anzac%2520Bridge/05.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.ozroads.com.au/NSW/Freeways/WesternDistributor/Anzac%2520Bridge/anzacbridge.htm&h=480&w=640&sz=129&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=qemdwokvXlDiVM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsydney%2B%2Bfrom%2Bwestern%2Bdistributor%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26ie%3DUTF-8

http://www.terrypaton.com/content/crap/jpgs/motorway_may07.jpg

[timmy- brissy]

http://www.geocities.com/aussieforum/adelaide.jpg


http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurlwww.ozroads.com.au/NSW/Freeways/WesternDistributor/Anzac%2520Bridge/05.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.ozroads.com.au/NSW/Freeways/WesternDistributor/Anzac%2520Bridge/anzacbridge.htm&h=480&w=640&sz=129&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=qemdwokvXlDiVM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsydney%2B%2Bfrom%2Bwestern%2Bdistributor%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26ie%3DUTF-8

http://www.terrypaton.com/content/crap/jpgs/motorway_may07.jpg

[KIWIKAAS]

An update on the soon to be completed Eastlink tollroad in Melbourne

up to August 2007
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/691/ringwoodzv2.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/9844/tunnelia8.jpg
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3904/monash2xd9.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6052/monash3ov4.jpg
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6906/franktonbm3.jpg

September 2007 -January 2008

http://www.seita.com.au/html2/news/phot/cons/071130_mitc/images_sml/071130_mitc_01.jpg
http://www.seita.com.au/html2/news/phot/cons/071130_mitc/images_sml/071130_mitc_03.jpg
http://www.seita.com.au/html2/news/phot/cons/071130_mitc/images_large/071130_mitc_04.jpg
http://www.seita.com.au/html2/news/phot/cons/071130_ring/images_large/071130_ring_02.jpg
http://www.seita.com.au/html2/news/phot/cons/071130_dand/images_large/071130_dand_03.jpg

Ventilation stack at entrance to the tunnelled section

http://www.seita.com.au/html2/news/data/week/20080207_102304/images_sml/20080207_104110.JPG

[Nikkodemo]

Awesome pics!!!

I'd like to see road trains pics...:D

I love those trucks!

Greetings from Mexico.

[ChrisZwolle]

Massive.

Those houses so close to the motorway would be totally unacceptable in the Netherlands.

[Alex Von Königsberg]

In Sacramento and Bay Area some houses are located within 30 metres of I-80. Of course they put a soundproof concrete wall between the motorway and the residential areas, but I would guess the noise level is still too high.

[54°26′S 3°24′E]

Massive.

Those houses so close to the motorway would be totally unacceptable in the Netherlands.
Building houses few meters from the curb of main roads seems to be the norm also in Sydney. Frankly, it is quite strange that you in Sydney on some roads can drive in 70 on roads with houses next to the curb, driveways and parked cars in the street, and at the same time you are only allowed to drive in 110 on some of the best rural motorways...

BTW: When I was in Sydney about 10 years ago, the emergency lanes of some motorways around Sydney also functioned as BICYCLE LANES :ohno:

[ChrisZwolle]

BTW: When I was in Sydney about 10 years ago, the emergency lanes of some motorways around Sydney also functioned as BICYCLE LANES :ohno:

I heard this is permitted on some Interstates in Oregon too...

[KIWIKAAS]

Indeed Sydney has quite a number of freeways where the shoulders double as cycle lanes. Not that you see many cyclists using them but it does seem inherrently dangerous.
In other states cyclists can use the shoulders on country freeways/expressways but not on busy urban freeways as is the case in Sydney

[KIWIKAAS]

Awesome pics!!!

I'd like to see road trains pics...:D

I love those trucks!

Greetings from Mexico.

Yeah. Gotta love road trains. Kings of the Aussie highway

from flickr

http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/10/13828735_4ba8d1d6a4_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/99/274084252_983b5e0ea5_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/505070290_d2af90ef34_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/1052338371_986f9b89b3_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/110/286562226_60b7399db0_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/1397244655_58198e3471_b.jpg

[Alex Von Königsberg]

Those truck trains are pretty cool! In the USA, the longest train I saw was in Nevada and consisted of only three carts. I guess overtaking such monsters would be pain in the ass on a two-lane highway.

[Nikkodemo]

Awesome pics, thanks for post them!!

I'll always love those giants of Aussie's roads!!

:D

[TheCat]

lol I imagine reversing these into a parking space :lol:
Sharp turns with these must also be very difficult/impossible.

[invincible]

For obvious reasons, they are restricted to remote roads, and overtaking requires the assistance of the driver of the road train, who will blink his own signals to indicate that the road ahead is clear. The world record for longest road train is 1400m, although this was set up purely for the sake of beating the record - trains that long only belong on rails. :D

As for houses near major roads, with Eastlink, it's been planned for decades and that is why you can see various housing developments leaving empty spaces shaped like interchanges for future development (which usually doesn't materialise).

[timmy- brissy]

That NSBT in Brisbane look's awesome, so when is it gonna get built.

[ChrisZwolle]

lol I imagine reversing these into a parking space :lol:
Sharp turns with these must also be very difficult/impossible.

Check out this Australian truck driver then:

F0NRIRIBlr8

[rick1016]

What's the completion date for Eastlink now?

[TheCat]

Check out this Australian truck driver then:
...

Heh that's pretty interesting, it must take a lot of skill to park 3 trailers, although I wonder how difficult it would be to park even more. Technically, parking just 1 trailer is quite a challenge to someone who has no experience. If you start incorrectly, they can all go to opposite directions.

[Tom 958]

Heh that's pretty interesting, it must take a lot of skill to park 3 trailers, although I wonder how difficult it would be to park even more. Technically, parking just 1 trailer is quite a challenge to someone who has no experience. If you start incorrectly, they can all go to opposite directions.

I'd bet he's really good at billiards...:)

[Verso]

I guess overtaking such monsters would be pain in the ass on a two-lane highway.

You stole words from my mouth. :D

[timmy- brissy]

so any update on an roads or motorways.

[timmy- brissy]

So are there any news on the NSBT and the gateway bridge project and do you no when they will be finished.

[Jardoga]

Is Melbournes eastlink freeway going to be longer then sydneys westlink? I have driven along sydneys west link and it stretches very far, i went from the begining of it to where it ends. I know westlink is two lanes and eastlink is 3. Which will be longer?

btw, the light horse interchange is stunning to drive through !

http://www.maunsell.com/media/4210.jpg

[Jardoga]

the monash freeway interchange is comign along really well. its ashame it wont be a full capacity interchange.

that sucks =[

[timmy- brissy]

good news but i think sydney needs better motorways cos melbournes are better.

[timmy- brissy]

ozroads.com not sure if anyone has used it but its got loads of pics.

[PLH]

I was always curious about is:

What is the maximum/average speed of a road train?

[invincible]

Not sure about road trains but the standard maximum speed for heavy vehicles is 100km/h, which isn't that much under the 110km/h max speed limit (except the Northern Territory where the highest speed limit is 130, but was formerly unrestricted until about a year ago).

Whether trucks actually obey this limit is another story.

[PLH]

^^ Actually I wanted to know how much can a roadtrain go, no matter what the speed limit is (but still thanks:))

[Jeroen669]

^^ Incredible... Imaging: on most european countries trucks (mostly all above 3,5t) are only allowed 80, 70, or even only 60 km/h on 2-lane highways.

But braking with those speed and those vehicle weights must be a pain in the ass for those road trains...

[KIWIKAAS]

^^ Actually I wanted to know how much can a roadtrain go, no matter what the speed limit is (but still thanks:))

I've seen 3 trailer Road Trains in the Northern Territory doing 120kph on the highways there.

[timmy- brissy]

Does North Queensland have any freeway standard roads or any good roads because Brisbane seems like it gets all the freeways.

[KIWIKAAS]

Townsville and Cairns have good arterial routes but no freeways.
The Douglas Arterial in Townsville will eventually become a freeway and there are also plans for a southern freeway in Cairns. The Cook highway north of Cairns could be upgraded to freeway standard in the future.
There are no intercity freeways or 4-lane expressways in north QLD

[Verso]

(except the Northern Territory where the highest speed limit is 130, but was formerly unrestricted until about a year ago).

Does Northern Territory have any road allowing 130 kph? I don't see any motorway/freeway/expressway there.

[ChrisZwolle]

130 is even allowed on dirt roads, if i am correct.

[KIWIKAAS]

Does Northern Territory have any road allowing 130 kph? I don't see any motorway/freeway/expressway there.

It's the Northern Territory mate ;)

1,420,970 km²
Population 215,000 Density 0.16/km²
Aprox 150,000 live in Darwin and Alice Springs leaving only about 60,000 for the other 1,420,000km².
They don't need freeways / expressways to do 130kph there

[KIWIKAAS]

130 is even allowed on dirt roads, if i am correct.

130 is the maximum on some highways
110 is the normal limit outside urban areas (so dirt roads would be 110)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/1211046637_d7f9f98291_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/1416797317_e5b9ad0925_o.jpg

[timmy- brissy]

The good old outback.

[Verso]

It's the Northern Territory mate ;)

1,420,970 km²
Population 215,000 Density 0.16/km²
Aprox 150,000 live in Darwin and Alice Springs leaving only about 60,000 for the other 1,420,000km².
They don't need freeways / expressways to do 130kph there

WOW, I had no idea the NT was SO sparsely populated, I thought it had some 2 million inhabitants. Just 60,000 outside of Darwin and Alice Springs? Oh, boy!

[ChrisZwolle]

60,000 represents like 0,04 inhabitants per sq. km. :D

[Rebasepoiss]

Untouched nature rocks! :)

[Verso]

60,000 represents like 0,04 inhabitants per sq. km. :D

You have 24 sq km for yourself. Aaah, freedom. :D

[timmy- brissy]

Verso what population do think australia holds a 100 million?

[Ron2K]

^^ 21 million, according to Wikipedia.

[timmy- brissy]

Ron2K i know i was just joking with Verso.

[Verso]

I know the population of the whole Australia.

[KIWIKAAS]

Brisbane's Gateway Bridge is in the process of being duplicated.
The duplication will double the crossing's capacity from 6 to 12 lanes
Completion should be in 2011.

Current situation

http://www.airtrain.com.au/ioct/Image6.jpg

oof
http://www.airtrain.com.au/ioct/Image7.jpg

construction underway

http://www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/16207001205121427531.jpg

finnished product

http://www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/64676001181875149453.jpg
http://www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/55442001193120564463.jpg
http://www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/84129001193120552416.jpg
http://www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/53184001193120478526.jpg

[Majestic]

Is the bridge really SO steep or is it just an illusion?

[Svartmetall]

Is the bridge really SO steep or is it just an illusion?

I think it is pretty darned steep though it doesn't feel it when you're on it. The Auckland Harbour Bridge is the same, you take a photo before you reach it and it looks incredibly steep but you don't feel it that much when driving up it.

[KIWIKAAS]

Images of the soon to be opened Eastlink Tollway in Melbourne

By wilko on the aussie forums

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2386/cimg0612jq1.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5858/cimg0613jj3.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/2981/cimg0614zf2.jpg

[ChrisZwolle]

That's how you construct a road with a futuristic view. Now there is room to add another lane without widening the overall roadway. That can save you a lot of trouble later. If you narrow the shoulder, you can even construct 2x5 lanes, at least it got the looks of it.

[SmarterChild]

The exit on that last pic is pretty darn sharp.

[Jeroen669]

I wonder if those guardrails could keep a truck on the right side...

[KIWIKAAS]

The exit on that last pic is pretty darn sharp.

it looks sharp zoomed in from afar but it's designed for exiting at 110km/h. Same as your typical exit in the US ie: no deceleration lane.

[KIWIKAAS]

I wonder if those guardrails could keep a truck on the right side...

Wire barriers are pretty strong (and flexible) but I think a truck could crash through if it hit at a sharp angle. These so called ''cheese cutter'' barriers are hell for motorcyclists. They will tear up and dismember a body as has been the case before.
The Cheese Cutters were introduced in the late 1980s and have been extensively used since. Personally I prefer concrete barriers

[invincible]

From the pictures, you can also tell that it's not purely a cost saving exercise because they're using regular concrete barriers on the other side of each carriageway.

[KIWIKAAS]

^^
With the wide median the choice usually goes to wire barriers as well. I estimate at least 15m from centreline to centreline here

[crieffite@comcast.ne]

All those cars driving on the wrong side of the road is an accident waiting to happen! ;)
Vid that had me wetting my pants laughing. tell it to the British, the Japanese, the Indonesians, the Indians, the pakistanis. The New zealanders, etc etc. need I go on ?

[timmy- brissy]

^^ I didn't know all them countries drived on the left.That Eastlink looks darn impressive.

[Tom 958]

Brisbane's Gateway Bridge is in the process of being duplicated.
The duplication will double the crossing's capacity from 6 to 12 lanes
Completion should be in 2011.

http://www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/84129001193120552416.jpg


With such a huge capacity increase, to me it would seem prudent to mark each the bridges for five lanes and a shoulder. If a wreck or breakdown occurs there things must get very messy very quickly,

[invincible]

Eastlink photos posted by Aussie Steve:
http://www.seita.com.au/pages-support/photos/data/20080404_123216/images_large/20080404_123448.jpg

http://www.seita.com.au/pages-support/photos/data/20080404_123216/images_large/20080404_123821.jpg

http://www.seita.com.au/pages-support/photos/data/20080404_123216/images_large/20080404_123936.jpg

http://www.seita.com.au/pages-support/photos/data/20080404_123216/images_large/20080404_124124.jpg

http://www.seita.com.au/pages-support/photos/data/20080404_123216/images_large/20080404_131308.jpg

http://www.seita.com.au/pages-support/photos/data/20080404_123216/images_large/20080404_130726.jpg

http://www.seita.com.au/pages-support/photos/data/20080404_123216/images_large/20080404_132122.jpg

[timmy- brissy]

^^ DAMN thats impressive.

[mike7743]

I don't get it, why do they dirt roads? is Australia doesn't have enough money to build roads?

[KIWIKAAS]

^^
Yes. It's because Australia is so poor:nuts:

[Verso]

I don't get it, why do they dirt roads? is Australia doesn't have enough money to build roads?

Population (and thus GDP) density is very low in Australia. But major roads are paved, of course, even in remote areas.

[Jardoga]

cant wait for eastlink to be opend. same with the geelong bypass, we really need it.

[Brisbaner21]

I don't get it, why do they dirt roads? is Australia doesn't have enough money to build roads?

I think our vastness compared to our population, our roads are very good, and you can go pretty far into the Outback on concrete roads.

[KIWIKAAS]

Some pics of Sydney's M4 by DogCancer on the Ozscrapers forum

Westbound

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7396/pict0015ed9.jpg

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/4930/pict0025aq3.jpg

Eastbound Near Cumberland Hwy overpass Wentworthville

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/4930/pict0025aq3.jpg

M7 Motorway meets M4 motorway

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2803/pict0019mn2.jpg

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5491/pict0013gy8.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3516/pict0020sm4.jpg

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/5508/pict0016kg9.jpg

[Ron2K]

^^ Still have memories of driving along that road in December 2006.

[essendon bombers]

Hello,

First message posted on website. Very exciting.
I'm a nut about freeways, and railways too, and airports, and skyscrapers, and urban planning and design...

I have already been on Chriszwolle's drive from Amsterdam to his home town.....wow, 150 photos over 75km, that's one photo every 500m. That's pretty keen....


Melbourne is the freeway capital of Australia, with Brisbane and Sth East Qld following closely behind, then Sydney, Perth and Adelaide

Can't wait for Eastlink to open!

[mgk920]

Hello,

First message posted on website. Very exciting.
I'm a nut about freeways, and railways too, and airports, and skyscrapers, and urban planning and design...

I have already been on Chriszwolle's drive from Amsterdam to his home town.....wow, 150 photos over 75km, that's one photo every 500m. That's pretty keen....


Melbourne is the freeway capital of Australia, with Brisbane and Sth East Qld following closely behind, then Sydney, Perth and Adelaide

Can't wait for Eastlink to open!
What's the status of all of those partially developed corridors (easily visible on Google Earth) in the Perth area?

Mike

[essendon bombers]

Hi Mike,

Kwinana Fwy (south suburbs)- currently Feds and WA extending this fwy south from safety bay Rd to Lake Clifton, estimated distance of 60km according to my road atlas, as part of the Perth-Bunbury Hwy project. Construction started late '06; I think it will open 2009.

Mitchell Fwy (north suburbs) - WA State Govt currently extending this fwy from Joondalup to Burns Beach Rd, Currambine; a distance of about 5km. The two carriageways will be built either side of the Clarkson rail line, which runs along the median strip of the fwy to the city.

Roe Hwy - a few years ago completed from Midland (outer NE) SW to Kwinana Fwy. No plans to extend west to Port of Fremantle.

Reid Hwy - a couple of interchange upgrades likely in next few years

Tonkin Hwy - recently completed extension from Gosnells to Thomas Rd, south of Armadale. No plans for further extension

Great eastern Hwy - there is a project to widen road from 2 to 3 lanes each direction from the city to the airport, and a few interchange upgrades planned during next few years

Kewdale area (south of the airport)- this will be Perth's logistics hub, watch out for intermodal type projects


visit www.wa.gov.au and go to Main Roads dept for more project information.

[mgk920]

^^

Thanx!

Mike

[essendon bombers]

Nobody has talked about Tasmania yet, so i think I will post some info on this state.


Tasmanian Highways

Tasmania is the island state south of Melbourne. It has a very small population and half the state is wilderness.

The state hwy network is basic. There are no freeways in tassie but there are some sections of highway that are built to freeway standard.

Main Hwys listed below:

Nat. 1 Hobart - Launcston - Devonport - Burnie (Midland & Bass Hwys)
A2 Burnie to NW corner of state (Bass Hwy)
A3 Hobart - Launceston via East Coast (Tasman Hwy)
A4 Campbelltown - St Marys (Esk Main Road)
A5 Hobart - Devonport via Central Highlands (Lake Hwy)
A6 Hobart - Dover (south corner of state) (Huon Hwy)
A7 Launceston - Greens Beach (West Tamar Hwy)
A8 Launceston - Georgetown (East Tamar Hwy)
A9 Hobart - Port Arthur (Arthur Hwy)
A10 Hobart - Burnie via Queenstown and west coast (Lyell, Zeehan & Murchison Hwys)

Sections that are dual carriageway:

Bass Hwy (Nat. 1) East devonport - Ulverstone

Launceston southern outlet (Nat.1)

Tasman Hwy (A3) Hobart - Airport

Southern Outlet (A6) Hobart - Kingston

Brooker Hwy (Nat.1) Hobart's northern suburbs


The Tasmanian State Govt is establishing a logistics hub at Brighton, situated on the Midland Hwy, just north of hobart. The hwy through this area will be upgraded in next few years.

[mike7743]

I don't get it, why do they dirt roads? is Australia doesn't have enough money to build roads?


^^
Yes. It's because Australia is so poor:nuts:


whatever man, you failed in your attempt at sarcasm. how the hell am I suppose to know what Australia is capable of doing? I'm not an Australian nor do I really care about Australia. I just asked a simple question, it seems a bit odd for a country like Australia not to have nice roads all across the country.


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