After almost 300 heavy vehicles carrying essential goods and equipment were able to travel over the Ollera Creek Bridge last night, Queensland Police is asking truck drivers to avoid the bridge so repairs can continue.
“Heavy vehicle and truck drivers are requested not to continue driving to Ollera Creek on the Bruce Highway, north of Townsville,” Queensland Police said this morning, just before 9am.
“Currently there is a 6-7 hour repair window for construction work to be undertaken on the Ollera Creek Bridge, which has been damaged as a result of flooding caused by the ongoing weather event.
“If trucks continue to travel up to the Ollera Creek Bridge, it will cause a significant back log blocking the passage of repair vehicles. It is for this reason truck drivers are requested to utilise truck stops to minimise delays.”
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) praised the efforts of drivers in the wake of the current flood emergency. “Amazing effort to everyone who made it through last night. Almost 300 were able to move. We were advised it was essential only, however we understand that other freight ended up being let through,” the QTA shared via social media.
“FNQ (Far North Queensland) will have supplies which is amazing and produce is coming south which is great news!”
Critical repair work continues this morning, weather permitting, with Ollera Creek Bridge due to open to the general public this afternoon.