Roads

When I was growing up, a statement suggested that “motorists of today are driving the cars of tomorrow on the roads of yesterday.” Sixty years later, I am reminded of this statement and how the definition fits the breakdown of increasing numbers of Darwin’s roads.

Our roads are suffering more than superficial deterioration, mainly due to the increasing traffic volume. On many roads, the driving surface feels corrugated because road bases are breaking down under the pressure of growing vehicular impact. 

Close visual examination reveals that many bitumen surfaces are breaking down and wearing out.

Many of our older roads are like ‘Yarcobs britches,’ and road repairs now require secondary patching. Superficial fixing can help in the short term, but large stretches of roadway are almost to the point of needing to be taken up and relaid. 

How will the government and local authorities manage the significant work that needs to be redone?