Extensive flooding in northern Queensland has destroyed part of the Bruce Highway, with the only road route connecting Townsville to other Far North Queensland communities “washed away” according to MP Bob Katter.
A section of the Ollera Creek Bridge has been damaged by floodwaters, with a yawning gap now open in the middle of the structure.
Rail services have also been impacted by the inclement weather, only adding to the difficult conditions freight operators in the region are currently battling.
800mm of rain was dumped on parts of Far North Queensland over the weekend, with more to come. At the time of writing the Bureau of Meteorology is estimating up to another 180mm of rainfall in Townsville over Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Paluma Dam has surged well over 100 per cent capacity, with falling power lines and tress further adding to the danger in the weather-affected areas.
“Ingham, Cardwell and Lucinda, I am told, are experiencing the worst flooding since 1967,” Katter wrote on social media.
“The Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek Bridge has completely washed away, cutting off the only direct route between Townsville and northern communities.
“The rail line is also impacted, making recovery even harder.”
Live road closure updates are available here, with drivers advised to continue to keep a close eye on the evolving situation. Many closures are already in place.
Katter also called for the “rapid reconstruction” of the Bruce Highway to be prioritised in the aftermath of the weather event.
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