The flood-ravaged Great Northern Highway in WA from Roebuck Plains to Pardoo is now fully open to all traffic, including freight, reports the state’s peak trucking body.
In an alert to members earlier today, the Western Roads Federation (WRF) also said the Great Northern Highway from Pardoo to Port Hedland will open to all traffic without time restrictions from later this afternoon.
Yesterday’s advice regarding daylight travel only has been rescinded. There will be no restrictions on time of travel imposed.
The WRF, however, said a 30km stretch on the Great Northern Highway is still compromised by the Tropical Cyclone Zelia and will have traffic management in the form of cones and speed restrictions until repairs are completed.
Some sections still have shoulders with sharp drops 100mm-400mm, which are yet to be repaired, warned the WRF.
“Please ensure drivers drive to the conditions and obey speed limits.”
Meanwhile, from Port Hedland to Marble Bar, restrictions remain in place.
WRF said the Marble Bar Road remains accessible via permit only and all operators need to contact MainRoads WA to apply for access.
“The Marble Bar Road may have restrictions lifted by tomorrow (to be advised),” WRF added.
No determination will be made on OSOM on Port Hedland to Marble Bar and Telfer before Monday, February 24.
There are no restrictions on full movement of OSOM from Perth to Port Hedland, advised WRF.
The WRF said 27 road trains travelled north and five south under escort on Wednesday to replenish communities after record rainfall brought by Tropical Cyclone Zelia saw most of the Great Northern Highway underwater.
Even more trucks followed them into those flood-ravaged regions yesterday.