Australia, Transport News

Final route around Queensland floods closed

After identifying a 1200-kilometre detour last night, TMR has closed the final alternative route into Far North Queensland

Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) CEO Gary Mahon has issued a call to drivers in and around Far North Queensland to remain safe and well-resourced in the face of a worsening flood crisis in the region.

Over 800mm of rain was dumped on Townsville and its surrounds over the weekend, with extensive flash flooding damaging roads, infrastructure and homes. Sections of the Bruce Highway have been fully washed away in the floods and roads across the region are underwater.

At the time of writing, the Bureau of Meteorology has identified “heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding” for the remainder of Tuesday, 4 February, with up to 110mm of rainfall expected on Wednesday, 5 February.

Transport and Main Roads had identified a solitary alternative route for heavy vehicles to circumvent the floods, however the closing of the Gulf Developmental Road at Georgetown is now closed meaning the route cannot be accessed.

The identified alternative route around the Townsville floods.
The identified alternative route around the Townsville floods. Image: TMR

Mahon had warned of the potential for drivers using the alternative route to become stuck due to the westerly movement of the heavy rain.

“Unfortunately, the rain is continuing to fall across NQ/FNQ today causing further access issues,” Mahon said prior to the Gulf developmental road closure.

“TMR (Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads) has issued a bulletin this evening (February 3) with a suggested the only available alternative route left to get into FNQ.

“Please note, this adds an additional 1200km detour which equates almost to the distance from Brisbane to Townsville. The cost increases of this alternate route will be significant to your clients/customers.

“Operators should give serious consideration to using this route and preparing drivers accordingly with the provision of plentiful resources, food, water and paper maps. With the weather forecasting the rain to move west, there is a risk that drivers will be held up on this route.

“I have been in touch with many of our members who have trucks parked up across the region who are concerned for driver welfare and also fuel supplies for fridge units. I am aware this is an extremely stressful time for operators so please contact us if you need support in any way.

“I reinforce that we are constantly working to ensure that you are receiving the most up-to-date information.

“More information will hopefully be available tomorrow as the rain is forecast to move west and waters start to subside.

“We are thinking of everyone who has been impacted.”

There are now no TMR approved alternative routes into north and Far North Queensland.

National logistics company TFMXpress has already issued transit delay warnings to customers in Cairns, Innisfail, Ingham, Cardwell, Townsville, Ayr, Bowen, Prosperine and Mt Isa, while also stating smaller regional areas in north and west Queensland are currently unable to be accessed.

Centurion has also issued an update, stating “we are continuing to prioritise the safety of our drivers and team members” following the decision to continue the stand down of all operations and activities at its Townsville depot.

Read more ATN:
Qube cuts ribbon on new bulk storage facility
Successful unmanned timber truck trial complete
First Australian-built FH16 780 XXL rolls off production line

Previous ArticleNext Article
  1. Australian Truck Radio Listen Live
Send this to a friend