Operators can apply for access across four upgraded intersections, Queensland government states
Operators of Type 1 road trains can submit access permission applications to travel along four North Rockhampton routes following a new move.
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says transport operators can contact the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to receive permission to access many roads in Rockhampton that until recently did not have the necessary infrastructure to allow road train movement.
The announcement comes after recent trials conducted by TMR declared two out of four routes Type 1 road train-ready.
Part of Queensland government’s $500 million State Infrastructure Plan, the project saw up to $10 million being invested to upgrade the following North Rockhampton intersections:
- Moores Creek Road and Yaamba Road intersection (complete)
- Queen Elizabeth Drive and Lakes Creek Road intersection (complete)
- Rockhampton-Emu Park Road and St Christopher Chapel Road intersection (due for completion mid-July)
- Capricorn Highway and Central Queensland Livestock Exchange intersection (due for completion end of August).
“Following the completion of majority of these works, Type 1 Road Trains will no longer have to stop and breakdown to a semi-trailer configuration west of Rockhampton,” state main roads and road safety minister Mark Bailey says.
“The move is a huge boost for safety and efficiency for the transport industry and Rockhampton community and an example of our Government’s commitment to enhancing road safety for all Queenslanders.”
The upgraded routes will result in reduction of travel times and the elimination of the need for freight operators to cross-load cattle, agriculture minister and member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne says.
“This will have significant benefits for industry and the community, including removing the cross-loading process and overall reduction in the number of heavy vehicle movements through Rockhampton,” Byrne says.
“Access will start from 1 July, but transport operators are already able to apply for a permit through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
“This access will reduce the number of heavy vehicles required to carry cattle from Central Queensland Livestock Exchange to north Rockhampton abattoirs.”
TMR states it will administer access for Type 1 road trains “under strict permitting conditions”.
Permits will be issued by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and operating hours will be restricted to between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week.