Published Wednesday, 13 February, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
New Queensland flood map to help motorists plan safer trips
A new map showing Queensland’s flood-affected state-controlled roads will help motorists and transport operators to safely plan their trips.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the map, featured on Main Roads’ website, showed road closures and load restrictions on key links throughout Queensland.
“The map gives up-to-date information on which roads are closed due to flooding and those that are subject to load restrictions,” Mr Pitt said.
“An accompanying table also shows the specific load restrictions for various roads and users can zoom in on sections of the map for closer detail.”
Mr Pitt said load restrictions were in place to ensure motorists’ safety, prevent further damage to water-saturated roads and ensure the long-term protection of the road network.
“Eighty per cent load restrictions apply to some links for all 'as of right' vehicles,” he said.
“This means any trucks normally allowed access can use the road, but only at 80 per cent of their axle loads, except steer axles, which can be at the regulation mass.
“The 80 per cent load restrictions override concessional loading schemes such as the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme, the Grain Harvest Management Scheme, volumetric loading for livestock transport, and concessional schemes for timber transport.”
Mr Pitt said due to more heavy rain, temporary restrictions had been reimposed for all excess mass and dimension vehicles in the Central Highlands district until at least Monday, 18 February.
“Heavy vehicle operators can visit the Main Roads website and look at this new flood map or check out the Permit Management System conditions database for the latest information,” he said.
“Information about excess mass and dimension vehicles can also be found on the Main Roads website under ‘access and permits’.
“Main Roads urges motorists to take care when driving through water-saturated roads as damage has occurred on many road shoulders and floodways.”
The map can be found at www.mainroads.qld.gov.au, in the “Queensland floods 2008” section under “Helpful information”.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the map, featured on Main Roads’ website, showed road closures and load restrictions on key links throughout Queensland.
“The map gives up-to-date information on which roads are closed due to flooding and those that are subject to load restrictions,” Mr Pitt said.
“An accompanying table also shows the specific load restrictions for various roads and users can zoom in on sections of the map for closer detail.”
Mr Pitt said load restrictions were in place to ensure motorists’ safety, prevent further damage to water-saturated roads and ensure the long-term protection of the road network.
“Eighty per cent load restrictions apply to some links for all 'as of right' vehicles,” he said.
“This means any trucks normally allowed access can use the road, but only at 80 per cent of their axle loads, except steer axles, which can be at the regulation mass.
“The 80 per cent load restrictions override concessional loading schemes such as the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme, the Grain Harvest Management Scheme, volumetric loading for livestock transport, and concessional schemes for timber transport.”
Mr Pitt said due to more heavy rain, temporary restrictions had been reimposed for all excess mass and dimension vehicles in the Central Highlands district until at least Monday, 18 February.
“Heavy vehicle operators can visit the Main Roads website and look at this new flood map or check out the Permit Management System conditions database for the latest information,” he said.
“Information about excess mass and dimension vehicles can also be found on the Main Roads website under ‘access and permits’.
“Main Roads urges motorists to take care when driving through water-saturated roads as damage has occurred on many road shoulders and floodways.”
The map can be found at www.mainroads.qld.gov.au, in the “Queensland floods 2008” section under “Helpful information”.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819