Online road closures map an invaluable tool for drivers – rain, hail or shine
After last week's terrible weather and with winter well on its way, Minister for Roads Terry Mulder has encouraged motorists to consult the VicRoads real-time road closures map before driving.
Mr Mulder said today the benefits of the new VicRoads road closure web application were evident during the March flood crisis.
"In the two weeks following the major rain event on 26 February, there were more than 300 road closures across the state and more than 300,000 visits to the website," Mr Mulder said.
"On 1 March, visits to the website peaked at more than 58,000, making it the busiest day of traffic to the site since it was launched.
"The map application has been invaluable in alerting the public to the closure of both local and arterial roads.
"It is the most accurate resource available for people to check the status of road access. I strongly encourage all motorists to use it, particularly at times when floodwaters may render routes impassable or unsafe," Mr Mulder said.
The VicRoads application is map-based and shows all current road closures. It is updated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is accessible on web-enabled devices, such as smartphones, iPads and computers.
"Since the launch of the real-time application on 5 December 2011, there have been more than half a million visitors to the traffic and road closures website, with 38 per cent using mobile devices to access the site," Mr Mulder said.
"The numbers show that already there's been a positive response and strong take-up of the map application by road users throughout the state.
"The information that's available benefits road users everywhere and alerts motorists to significant issues affecting the roads.
"With motorists able to plan their trips based on current conditions, the road network can operate more safely and efficiently.
"We expect surges in visitor numbers during extreme weather events such as floods, as motorists, emergency services and communities look for updates via the application," Mr Mulder said.
In major emergencies such as fires or floods the website will include information about all road closures.
People without internet access can call VicRoads Traffic Management Centre 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 13 11 70. This number can also be used to report a fault, hazard or problem on the roads.
To access the new application visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
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