Published Friday, 30 November, 2007 at 01:50 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Work starts on widening Carnarvon Highway near Injune
Construction of a $1.44 million widening project for the Carnarvon Highway near Injune has begun in earnest, which means changes for drivers of harvesters and other heavy vehicles.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the project to widen 2.9km of the highway would complement upgrades already completed just north and south of the project.
“The Carnarvon Highway is a vital strategic route for the south-west as part of the north/south freight route,” Mr Pitt said.
“It is also a major tourist route connecting New South Wales to central and north Queensland.
“The highway caters for the region’s large livestock and grain-producing industries, carrying about 300,000 tonnes of agricultural products each year.
“It’s an important artery for the south-west, which is why the Queensland Government is spending more than $5 million in the next two years to continue widening the highway between Injune and Rolleston.”
The current project will widen the highway to at least 8.5m.
With construction now underway, Mr Pitt said heavy vehicle and wide-load operators should take note of changed conditions.
“Normal vehicles with loads wider than 3m will not generally be able to use the highway near Injune, and should use the Leichhardt Highway as an alternative route,” he said.
“Operators with these wide loads who wish to use the road near Injune must contact the Department of Main Roads to apply for a special assessment permit.”
Operators are also required to call Main Roads on 4622 9511 before they depart, or contact the RoadTek site supervisor on UHF channel 38.
Mr Pitt said that complying with these requirements would help drivers get through the road works with minimal delays whenever possible.
However, on occasions, RoadTek would strongly advise operators to use the Leichhardt Highway to avoid long delays.
“Main Roads is also aware that many harvesters are currently moving through the area at the peak of harvest season – sometimes up to six a day,” he said.
“The department is conscious of not delaying harvesting given the short window of time available.
“We are keen to work with drivers to get them through the road works without delay.
“As harvesters can travel off road, we can often get them past road works along the fence line.
“Drivers should discuss their harvester movements with the RoadTek supervisor on site, and keep them informed of any changes.”
The wide load restrictions will be in place until the end of the year, with construction at the work site set to continue until Easter 2008. During the road works, signs and traffic signals will help control traffic.
Members of the public can call Sussan Evans in Main Roads’ South Western District Office on 4622 9511 for more information.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the project to widen 2.9km of the highway would complement upgrades already completed just north and south of the project.
“The Carnarvon Highway is a vital strategic route for the south-west as part of the north/south freight route,” Mr Pitt said.
“It is also a major tourist route connecting New South Wales to central and north Queensland.
“The highway caters for the region’s large livestock and grain-producing industries, carrying about 300,000 tonnes of agricultural products each year.
“It’s an important artery for the south-west, which is why the Queensland Government is spending more than $5 million in the next two years to continue widening the highway between Injune and Rolleston.”
The current project will widen the highway to at least 8.5m.
With construction now underway, Mr Pitt said heavy vehicle and wide-load operators should take note of changed conditions.
“Normal vehicles with loads wider than 3m will not generally be able to use the highway near Injune, and should use the Leichhardt Highway as an alternative route,” he said.
“Operators with these wide loads who wish to use the road near Injune must contact the Department of Main Roads to apply for a special assessment permit.”
Operators are also required to call Main Roads on 4622 9511 before they depart, or contact the RoadTek site supervisor on UHF channel 38.
Mr Pitt said that complying with these requirements would help drivers get through the road works with minimal delays whenever possible.
However, on occasions, RoadTek would strongly advise operators to use the Leichhardt Highway to avoid long delays.
“Main Roads is also aware that many harvesters are currently moving through the area at the peak of harvest season – sometimes up to six a day,” he said.
“The department is conscious of not delaying harvesting given the short window of time available.
“We are keen to work with drivers to get them through the road works without delay.
“As harvesters can travel off road, we can often get them past road works along the fence line.
“Drivers should discuss their harvester movements with the RoadTek supervisor on site, and keep them informed of any changes.”
The wide load restrictions will be in place until the end of the year, with construction at the work site set to continue until Easter 2008. During the road works, signs and traffic signals will help control traffic.
Members of the public can call Sussan Evans in Main Roads’ South Western District Office on 4622 9511 for more information.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819