The cyclone-damaged Kuranda Range in North Queensland will be open for two hours this morning for trucks with single trailers up to 42.5 tonne.
In an industry notice released late last night (10.30pm) by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), operators were notified of a two-hour window for travel from 6.30-8.30am.
“The window is to allow trucks plenty of time to go through as it is expected there will be some congestion,” TMR said.
Traffic control will be in place with 3-4 sets of traffic control lights and a strict 40km/hour speed limit must be followed.
“Do not advise drivers to leave depots early and queue at the bottom of the range.
“Please advise drivers to be patient and follow traffic control and speed limits.
“Please also advise drivers to be mindful of the roadside workers who are continuing the clean-up and repairs as their safety is extremely important.”
More to come.
Update: Wednesday (December 20), 8.30am
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) tells us that information and assessments of roads in the area is a changing situation “by the hour”.
It is not known yet when the Kuranda Range will be open again to trucks after this morning’s window. Big Rigs understands that the range is also open to the general public this morning, but TMR gave the heavy vehicle industry an early notification.
QTA also advises that the Gillies Range is currently restricted to 25-tonne and 12-metre vehicles.
“We will continue to advocate for the alternate route until Palmerston is back on line,” added QTA CEO Gary Mahon.
“All this is to keep industry as on the front foot as we can.”