NHVR links with state authorities and urges halt to Eyre Hwy runs
UPDATE: Main Roads Western Australia says the Great Northern Highway between the Broome Road intersection at Roebuck Roadhouse and the Marble Bar Road intersection has reopened to all vehicles.
Western Australia is all but cut off for road freight from the rest of the country due to bushfire in the south and floods in the centre and north.
Earlier, it was reported that, closed by Cyclone Blake, tracking towards Marble Bar in the north, is the Great Northern Highway between the Broome Road intersection at Roebuck Roadhouse and the Marble Bar Road intersection.
This had left only Broome and towns east with access across the Northern Territory border that will escape rain fall of up to 200mm.
Flooding has closed Great Central Road both directions from Laverton to the NT border.
Meanwhile, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is working with Main Roads Western Australia and local police to support the large number of heavy vehicle operators currently unable to access sections of the Eyre Highway.
The Eyre Highway is set to be closed for several more days, which has seen a growing number of heavy and light vehicles unable to cross the Nullarbor, the NHVR says, though a state emergency services update holds hope the route will be reopened in 48 hours.
Convoys, including one for trucks travelled to Esperance yesterday, where the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services says Esperance Civic Centre has been opened to accommodate travellers relocated from roadhouses along the Eyre Highway.
Read about the convoy of trucks in WA moving out of harm’s way, here
NHVR chief operations officer Paul Salvati is urging operator to keep up to date with road closures and avoid the Eyre Highway where possible.
“Very hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to continue over the weekend and into next week, which will see closures remain in place,” Salvati says.
“Drivers are asked to avoid the area, ensure they have enough food and water supplies, and avoid using back tracks and unsealed roads to get around road closures.
“We’re also asking operators to refer to the Main Roads Travel Map and to not send vehicles out on the road if they’re at risk of being stranded.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, that’s why we’re urging caution during these extreme conditions.”
Updated information on road closures can be found here.