RACQ said about 320 cars had been towed in Brisbane on Wednesday,with crews responding to more than 700 requests for towing or breakdown requests each day over the past few days.
Adding to the problem,workshops and mechanics were flooded,or staff could not gain access to properties to fix cars.
“Right across the network,we’re seeing ... parts of track still flooded,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey says.Credit:Annastacia Palaszczuk,Facebook
RACQ Group chief executive David Carter said as of 1pm on Wednesday,RACQ had received more than 7800 insurance claims,including 6231 for homes and 1579 for vehicles.
“We are expecting claims will continue to increase as more people return to their homes and vehicles and have the opportunity to assess the damage the recent flooding has caused,” he said.
Mr Carter said more than 1600 temporary repairs were also under way to help people get back into their homes safely.
Brisbane City Council vowed to cover motorists’ costs on council-controlled Brisbane toll roads – including the Clem 7,Legacy Way and the Go Between Bridge – from Wednesday to Sunday,with state road tolls also likely to be lifted from Thursday.
“I have made this decision due to serious and ongoing issues with the Inner City Bypass and Milton Road caused by the floods,” Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner wrote on Twitter.
“This will not resolve congestion,and we encourage people to avoid unnecessary travel through this area.”
Queensland Rail’s clean-up and repair crews were working hard to assess critical rail infrastructure overnight. Mr Bailey said a detailed program of work was being developed.
“There is a lot of damage to our rail network as a result of the rain bomb,so our priority remains on the safe repair of that damage,” he said.
“Right across the network,we’re seeing landslips,washouts and sinkholes,parts of track still flooded,damage to overhead power lines and significant debris.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey says safety will not be compromised.Credit:Annastacia Palaszczuk,Facebook
“There’s damage to the signalling,potholes at level crossings,and even several vehicles in the rail corridor,swept there by floodwaters.”
Mr Bailey said 61 of Queensland Rail’s south-east Queensland stations were still inaccessible.
“We know that at least 10 station buildings are damaged,including lifts and subways,with Rocklea and Beenleigh stations some of the worst affected,” he said.
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“The derailed freight train also remains at Traveston,where receded floodwaters and improved ground conditions are now allowing recovery works to get under way.
“Some of our train crew depots and stabling yards were also inundated by water,with some still inaccessible and without power.”
Mr Bailey said the network was also experiencing power outages in some areas,including the Mayne Yard.
“I want to assure every person that we are doing everything we can to get trains back on track,” he said. “It’s an enormous task and we will not compromise on safety.”