Our history
Former Main Roads Commissioner
Charles Barton and the Hon. E. Evans,
originators of The Road Plan for Queensland,
1963.
The Queensland Government established the Main Roads Board in 1920. The board was a precursor to the Main Roads Commission established in 1925 and later the Main Roads Department.
Prior to 1920, individual shires built their own roads for their community needs. The board was established to overcome financial and technical deficiencies that prevented a cohesive road network.
Responsibility for local roads was retained by local councils while the Main Roads Board focused on three state wide priorities, developing and constructing:
- truck roads connecting towns not already connected by rail
- feeder roads linking farming areas to the rail network
- roads to open new areas of Crown Land.
During the Great Depression the board played a significant role in unemployment relief in Queensland. Key projects included the Story Bridge, Somerset Dam and the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus.
By the late 1930s, as private vehicle ownership continued to rise, construction of main roads became a state priority and the highway system was developed.
The Commission contributed to the war effort during World War Two, taking on a range of defence projects including constructing:
- military camps
- aerodromes
- fortifications
- fuel storage
- tanks
- firing ranges
- parade grounds
- docks
- jetties
- additional roads.
Use of machinery increased during this period due to labour shortages.
Motor vehicle registrations increased to 253,361 by 1952. Widening and improving safety on existing roads became a priority to meet the increase in demand.
Main Roads decentralised in the 1960s. Regional and then district offices were given greater power; higher levels of training were introduced; and a road plan was launched which continues to this day.
As scientific and technical methods evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, the road system continued to expand, modernise and use intelligent transport systems.
For further information on the first 50 years of Main Roads, read From Bulldust to Beef Roads and Beyond (PDF, 1.08 MB).
Last reviewed: 23 April 2009
