The heavy vehicles unit at the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has amended an industry bulletin about new rules that now apply to OSOM trucks crossing the Burdekin River Bridge (BRB).
In a statement released earlier this month, TMR advised that all OSOM heavy vehicle opeators were now required to contact the TMR Traffic Management Centre (TMC) on 13 19 40 before crossing.
TMR has now revised that notice to say that only heavy vehicle operators over 3m wide or 4.6m high (northbound) or 4.5m high (southbound) are now required to contact the TMR Traffic Management Centre (TMC) on 13 19 40 before crossing the bridge.
This change has occurred because TMR will now be the sole agency responsible for controlling the traffic signals on the BRB.
Am I impacted?
The traffic signals located on the approaches to the BRB will now be centrally operated by the TMC to maintain road safety when oversize loads are transported across the bridge. This will also maintain the safe and efficient flow of traffic, minimise inconvenience to other motorists and ensure that no damage is caused to the overhead bridge structure.
How can I prepare?
- Both the operator and driver have the responsibility to check TMR’s Conditions of Operation database before any trip.
- Organise an approved escort operator assisting with the transport of the oversize load across the BRB.
NB: The requirements in the earlier report that stated operators also must have a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) access permit number, and/or have the accreditation licence number of the vehicle escort operator assisting with the transport of the oversize load across the BRB no longer apply.
I’m ready to cross
When you are ready to cross the BRB, the heavy vehicle operator or escort vehicle operator must contact the TMC on 13 19 40.
Note: Heavy vehicles will still be prohibited from crossing the BRB from 7.30am – 9am and 3pm – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.