Drivers vent frustration as rain opens potholes on Bruce Hwy

Motorists have unleashed on social media over the damage inflicted on their tyres and bank balance by massive new potholes on the Bruce Hwy north of the Gympie Bypass.

Drivers have unleashed on social media over the condition of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie after days of heavy rain opened tyre-busting holes along a major part of the state’s main road.

Motorists on the Bruce Highway have vented their anger at the state of the highway north of the new billion-dollar Gympie Bypass, saying tyre-busting craters have opened up after several days of heavy rain and flash flooding.

Car owner Darren Smith shared images of his wrecked tyres on Monday afternoon saying he “hit a hole, not a pothole” at Gunalda on Saturday morning.

Mr Smith said the damage occurred about 2km south of the United Service Station near Gunalda.
“There were a heap of cars impacted Saturday and I have made a complaint to (the Department of Transport and Main Roads),” Mr Smith said.

“Good luck everyone.

“Understand the weather but this isn’t good enough.”

Drivers have unleashed on social media over the condition of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie after days of heavy rain opened tyre-busting holes along a major part of the state’s main road. Picture: Darren Smith, Facebook.

Mr Smith’s post, made on a Facebook page dedicated to the the Bruce Hwy and its traffic conditions, drew almost 300 comments in 16 hours before the ability to post under it was shut down by moderators.

Shane Riddington said he was “another victim” of the road, sharing a photo of his own damaged tyres, and Roslyn Uttleymoore said her own car suffered two punctures and needed to be towed.

She was forced to stay in a motel until new tyres arrived and had lodged a complaint with Transport and Main Roads, she said.

Some commenters said road workers had been seen working at the site on Saturday.

A TMR spokesman said Tuesday have been working to repair parts of the stretch and warning signs had been erected for drivers.

“Unfortunately, periods of heavy and extended rain mean potholes can form quickly and our ability to repair them can be hindered during wet conditions,” the spokesman said

“Potholes are patched at priority locations as soon as it is safe and practical, and further repairs are scheduled where needed to enable the safety of road users.

“Longer term pavement repairs to rectify potholes may be deferred during periods of wet weather.
He urged drivers to report any road hazards to the department and drive to conditions.

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Roslyn Uttleymoore said her own car suffered two punctures and needed to be towed. She was forced to stay over in a motel until new tyres arrived and had lodged a complaint with TMR.

Another user on the same page, Janice Parker, used driving website and app Waze to identify 10 “trouble makers” along the stretch between the United Service Station and the northern edge of Glenwood.

Ian Pilbeam said he travelled the stretch only days earlier while towing a caravan and “found it impossible to miss all of the holes”.

“Third world country roads at best,” Mr Pilbeam said.

Drivers have unleashed on social media over the condition of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie after days of heavy rain opened tyre-busting holes along a major part of the state’s main road. Picture: Janice Parker, Facebook.

Jason Muhaciroglu said the road’s condition made people wonder “what all the rego money we spend goes into”, with Shelley Hillier suggesting it “goes to the (south east) corner and bugger the rest of the state”.

Graham Hardy said “what makes it worse if it’s dark and raining you’ve got no hope of avoiding those craters”.

“Some of the roads have got a good base but recent roads are done on the cheap.”

Elle Robinson offered a blunt assessment: “The road is crap till you get to Glenwood”.

Cheyanne Peterson said she drove the stretch on Monday and “luckily missed them, but easy 20 odd cars both pulled up on both sides” and John Chase said he saw “about 16 cars pulled up with tyre or rim issues” while driving it on Monday morning.

TMR had not responded at the time of publication.

Originally published as Drivers vent frustration as rain opens potholes on Bruce Hwy