Industry continues to push for truck access over Ollera Creek

As the temporary bridge over Ollera Creek opened to emergency vehicles late yesterday, the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) was quick to reassure industry it was doing all it could to lobby for a speedy solution for trucks.

At present the army-built crossing is restricted to vehicles up to 35 tonnes, and is only operational between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm, subject to environmental conditions, and can only accommodate one vehicle at a time travelling at 2km/h.

“We appreciate that this is an ongoing frustrating situation, however, please be patient as a solution for all heavy vehicle access is worked out,” said QTA CEO Gary Mahon in an industry update.

“The Flinders Highway and Gregory Development Road will need to be continued to be utilised (when it is open) until a solution is achieved for the Ollera Creek Bridge.”

Meanwhile, police have set up checkpoints at the Rollingstone Truck Pad along the Bruce Highway, 3km south of the bridge, and Barrett Road, 100 metres north of the bridge, to triage requests for those crossing.

Emergency services vehicles are the only ones allowed to cross so isolated communities can receive the critical supplies, services and support they need at this time, said Queensland Police.

All vehicles and people will be checked for their need to access the community and records will be kept of all those who cross the bridge. Police will be stationed at the checkpoints and the bridge 24 hours a day.

The nearby rail bridge is also under police management. Essential access to assist the Ingham community can be provided by Queensland Rail via a small bus on the rail tracks for small groups of people. This service is only available until 5pm.

“Anyone using this service will need to make their own arrangements from the other side of the bridge into Ingham. No one is to walk across the bridge without police approval and vehicles will not be permitted to park near the bridge,” police added.

While surveying the damaged bridge yesterday, both Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to “build back better”.

“We can’t continue to have a view that you just do the same thing, because you’ll get the same results,” the prime minister told media.

“”This bridge, we get a better one. One that’s higher, one that’s longer, one that’s sustainable and one that’s not knocked out next time there’s an event like this.”