Program to inspect entire road network

With their distinctive markings and mounted cameras on the roof, sides and rear, it’ll be easy to spot the vehicles out assessing the City’s 1045-kilometre network of sealed roads.

The inspection program started this week and uses laser measurements and detailed video imaging to assess the condition of the road network. Carried out every four to five years, it takes three weeks to inspect every council-managed road in the Local Government Area which stretches from stretches from Helensburgh to Windang and Yallah.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the community might spot the brightly marked ‘Road Survey’ vehicles out and about.

“The information we gather will enable better management of these important community assets, enabling more effective maintenance and renewal strategies to improve community connectivity, mobility and safety,’’ said Cr Bradbery.

“The data boost we will get by travelling along every council-managed road in the city is vital. We brought these inspections forward 12 months to help us understand how all the rain we received last year has impacted the road network.

“It’s a significant distance to cover and this program provides a fascinating snapshot of the current road conditions.

“This doesn’t mean we stop listening to community concerns. Council is always open to feedback from our residents, especially regarding safety concerns and roads that need work. This is considered in tandem with the data to help us prioritise road works and plan our upcoming Infrastructure Delivery Programs.

“The inspection vehicles are clearly identifiable and will have minimal impact on traffic. Motorists are asked to keep a full car-length behind them to provide the rear cameras with a clear view of the road surface.”

Cr Bradbery said the cameras were focussed on the road surface to capture images of their condition.

“This program isn’t like Google Maps where they’re capturing street views of houses and the like.’’

“The inspection cameras are focused on the road surface with some limited viewing of areas directly adjacent,” he said.

In addition to roads, data will be captured on the Bulli, Corrimal and Windang tourist park access roads, and selected access roads for council facilities.