If you are in the Pilbara and can wait until the Great Northern Highway reopens, that’s probably a truckie’s best option.
That’s the message today from Facebook group Western Australia Truck Warnings which posted dramatic drone pics from Kristine Davis showing the impact ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja is still having on the road freight industry.
“Mount Magnet, Meekatharra and Cue are reportedly all full of trucks and almost out of bread, milk and ready to go food,” warns the group.
“Phone service very limited in Mount Magnet apparently and power uncertain.”
WA Truck Warnings also quoted a well-placed source in the road clearing crew who estimates that the Great Northern Highway will not be open before tomorrow morning.
“There are about 100 trees down similar to the one in the photograph (above). Other members have advised that Wubin hookup was already full this afternoon [Monday]. It’s unknown at the moment how many more trees there are at the Mount Magnet end of Great Northern Highway or if any of the trees have also brought down power lines.”
Western Roads Federation (WRF) also sent out a message earlier today to the industry, confirming that the Great Northern Highway remains closed from Wubin to Mount Magnet.
“This is due to significant number of trees and debris over the road north of Wubin. We have no indication as to when the highway will re-open.”
WRF added that the NW Coastal Highway had just reopened, but advised all drivers and operators to check the Main Roads Travel map for updates regarding the re-opening of the many northern routes that still remain closed.
UPDATE (10.40am, Wednesday, AEST)