Busy main highway a patchwork quilt of damaging potholes

Heavy rain has seen a busy Tasmanian highway littered with potholes which have caused damage for drivers and speed limit reductions. SEE WHAT’S BEING DONE >>

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Big rainfall totals and substandard road resealing have left parts of the Bass Highway littered with potholes and speed limits reduced due to the danger.

The Department of State Growth said it was working hard to maintain the condition of the Bass Highway following the recent severe weather.

Motorists are reporting damaged wheel rims and tyres dangerous driving conditions due to the number and depth of the potholes on the busy highway

The condition of the highway is so bad at Sassafras the speed limit has been reduced to 60km/h near the Caltex Service Station  due to the deterioration in what are new resealing works.

Drivers are also reporting conditions are particularly bad on the highway behind Sulphur Creek and around Wynyard. 

It comes as the RACT’s road safety survey receives almost 1000 responses so far with almost 70 per cent concerns about road infrastructure projects, relating to contractors and funding, as well as road design and construction.

Traffic passes potholes on the Bass Highway near Wynyard

A further 45 per cent are concerned with road quality and maintenance.

”Heavy rain has caused potholes and other issues along many parts of the highway,” a department spokesman said.

“We have instructed our contractors to ensure extra maintenance crews are on the road and attending to issues promptly.

“Wet weather can take a heavy toll on the road surface. In addition, many roadworks are suspended during winter when conditions are not ideal for works such as road sealing.

“Road repairs during winter are often temporary. This ensures the road can continue to be used safely until a permanent repair can be made when the weather is more suitable.”

The department said the reduced speed limit at Sassafras would remain in place until repairs can be completed, and this work will be done at the contractor’s expense under warranty.

The Department said it understood the impact of potholes on the travelling public and the State’s freight industry and placed a high priority on maintaining the condition of the State Road network.

“While our maintenance contractors regularly monitor road conditions, the public can also help by reporting any problems they see to our 24/7 hotline: [phone]. All reports are logged and prioritised for repair,” the spokesman said.