Answers to Questions

BLANCHETOWN TO MORGAN ROAD

33 The Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (24 June 2007).

1. What plans are there to seal the Blanchetown to Morgan road?

2. What is the purpose of the antennae attached to the sign at the Blanchetown weigh station?

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy): I provide the following information:

The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) has no plans to seal the Blanchetown to Morgan Road at this time.

DTEI ensures that regular patrol grading is undertaken when necessary and has an annual re-sheeting program in place to maintain the road to a satisfactory standard.

There is an alternative access between Morgan and Blanchetown, via a sealed council road, on the eastern side of the river, which runs parallel to the unsealed Blanchetown-Morgan Road. DTEI provides and maintains a free 24 hours ferry service at Morgan to support this alternative access.

The antennae is to allow the remote control (or wireless connection) of the variable message sign for the Blanchetown checking station. The antennae receives the signal that allows the variable message sign to indicate whether the Blanchetown checking station is operational and whether heavy trucks and commercial buses are required to enter.