Bolts, sharp edges and slippery surfaces lurking on Melbourne roads
Slippery steel plates, protruding bolts and sharp edges are a hidden threat for commuters in Melbourne’s streets, with cyclists saying hitting a steel plate in the wet is like “skating on ice”.
VIC News
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On-road steel plates with shiny surfaces, sharp edges and protruding bolts are becoming an increasing hazard for Melbourne road users, prompting fears of vehicle damage and crash risk.
Several dangerous plates have appeared in the CBD in recent weeks as underground service works are carried out.
The plates are particularly dangerous to cyclists and motorcyclists, especially in the wet.
The Herald Sun has identified several places throughout the city where the plates have been installed on the road while works such as gas, water, power and cabling are carried out.
The plates are usually temporary but can often stay for several months. A plate on Power St, Southbank, was left for about 18 months before a permanent fix was found.
More plates have appeared since a three-year program of replacing ageing gas mains began in July.
Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said surfaces that might be suitable for cars were often not for bikes.
“As Victoria’s ‘big build’ continues, people who ride are becoming frustrated with increasing obstacles and debris on the road”
“Metal plates with sharp edges and bolts sticking up cannot only cause bike tyre punctures but also nasty crashes.
“It’s not good enough to have these dangerous plates on our roads.”
Mr Richards said his organisation would be happy to consult or advise on the industry best practice.
Commuting cyclist Hamish said the plates on Exhibition St were “like hitting tram tracks’’.
“When those plates are wet it’s like skating on ice. And those bolts do tend to come loose and makes it even worse,’’ he said.
Victorian Motorcycle Council spokesman John Eacott said the City of Melbourne and VicRoads had been responsive in dealing with inappropriate temporary plates.
“It behoves all contractors to ensure that temporary surfaces are laid with single-track vehicles, that is bicycles and motorcycles, in mind to avoid accidents and injuries to our most vulnerable road users,’’ Mr Eacott said.
A spokesman for APA Group, which is replacing the cast iron and steel gas pipes under the city streets, said plates were only in one location for two to five days.
“Safety is paramount. Dedicated supervisors monitor the work of our contractors to ensure compliance with our safety and quality requirements,’’ the spokesman said.
@cityofmelbourne these metal sheets are slippery and dangerous for bicycles. Plus the uneven surface at their edges.
— Melbourne Commuter (@MelbrneCommuter) October 27, 2019
Can we please get some road hazard warning signs, and a non-slip surface treatment? pic.twitter.com/vKgtU70xAh
The company was investigating different bolts to reduce the risk of them coming loose.
Non-slip grit has been applied to plates on King St to improve traction for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, the spokesman said.
A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said the council issues consent for the works to install metal plates and approves road closure requests.
“The responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the plates sits with the company undertaking the works.’’
The council recommends a non-slip surface for the plates, the spokeswoman said.
The call comes after the state government and the city council announced plans to make the busy Landsdowne-Albert streets intersection in East Melbourne safer for cyclists.