Full vehicle access across Angellala Creek

All vehicles, including Type 2 road trains, can now cross Angellala Creek, on the Mitchell Highway, south of Charleville, at the site of the major truck explosion – three weeks ahead of schedule.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said crews had worked around the clock to complete the fully sealed side track that opened to traffic yesterday afternoon.

“RoadTek crews have worked extremely hard to restore access for communities and the trucking industry in half the time we expected it to take,” Mr Emerson said.

“Traffic controls will be in place temporarily on the side track with initial speed restrictions of 40km/h.

“Last week we were able to give motorists, grey nomads, school buses and small trucks access to our construction side track, which really helped remove congestion from the detour routes.

“Now our vital heavy vehicle industry can use the new side track reducing delays.”

Mr Emerson said RoadTek crews should be congratulated for getting on with the job quickly and efficiently to restore access along this vital stretch of road.

“Transport and Main Roads took possession of the site from the Department of Natural Resources and Mining on 13 September and the initial estimate to finish the side track was about six weeks,” he said.

“Our roadwork teams leapt into action and should be congratulated for getting on with the job in half the time.

“We also took advantage of sourcing local materials wherever possible, which meant we start construction on the side tracks started almost immediately.

“Our work is not quite done yet as we continue with the important task of replacing the Angellala Creek bridge.”

For the most up-to-date traffic and travel information visit http://131940.qld.gov.au/ or call 131940 or contact TMR’s Roma office on (07) 4622 9511 during business hours.

[ENDS] 5 October 2014

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625