Further restrictions are now in place for heavy vehicle operators at Dawson River Bridge in Queensland due to ongoing maintenance.
All vehicle combinations with a ground contact width and/or loaded width greater than 3m are not permitted to travel through the site, said a notice this week from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
TMR said the new restrictions are necessary to provide contractor, RoadTek, “an increased safe working environment”.
Eligible vehicles can access the alternate route, via Leichhardt Highway, provided a copy of the approved variation letter is used in conjunction with your current permit, said TMR.
“If you do not have a current permit, you are required to apply via the NHVR Portal for the alternative route.”
As part of the Inland Freight route early works, announced in late November 2023, work to upgrade the Dawson River Bridge on the Carnarvon Highway, approximately 61.86km north of Injune, started in October 2023.
Work being undertaken includes:
• Widening the existing Dawson River bridge from 7.4 metres to 10.3 metres.
• Reconstruction and realignment of the bridge approaches, including culvert extensions.
• Installation of new bridge rail and guardrail.
Works are being carried out between 6am and 6pm up to 10 days a fortnight and are expected to be completed in September 2024, weather and conditions permitting, said a TMR spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the industry notice released is an update for excess dimension vehicles only.
“Passenger vehicles can still use the Carnarvon Highway in this location noting that it is a roadworks site with speed limit and other traffic management conditions in place while works are being completed.
“The alternate route for excess dimension vehicles will be in place until further notice. Future updates and changes impacting this site will be advised to industry via industry notices and to all motorists on QLDTraffic.”