Truckies travelling across the Riverland in SA will no longer need to detour between Loxton and Berri after weight restrictions for a key freight route were lifted.
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) today announced Bookpurnong Road and Kingston Road would reopen to heavy vehicles from 9am, Friday, February 17.
Following recent successful reopenings to light vehicles, further pavement and bridge testing has confirmed these roads can now safely accommodate heavy vehicle traffic, said DIT.
“These re-openings will allow the freight and trucking industry to more easily transport important supplies to communities across the region, without having to use detour routes.”
A 60km/h speed limit will apply for all traffic on some sections of both roads which were badly damaged in recent flooding.
Overmass/Oversize vehicles and mobile cranes that have access on RAVnet are also permitted to use these roads from February 17.
Road users are asked to continue to stay off the road shoulder on both roads as they may be soft under traffic and have been washed away in places. Traffic cones are in place to cordon off the shoulder in areas of concern.
The department said it will continue to frequently inspect both Bookpurnong Road and Kingston Road for any defects and failures.
“Additional restrictions at short notice may be required if substantial defects occur.
“Road users are reminded to comply with all road signage and always drive to the conditions. Please continue to be mindful of other motorists and staff on site, with work commencing today on Bookpurnong Road to trim and remove of unstable trees along the road.”
For the latest traffic information, including road closures and detours, visit traffic.sa.gov.au.